Is It Bad to Eat Oysters at Night? A Complete Guide

Late night oysters have become a popular foodie trend with many flocking to restaurants for discounted happy hour deals. But is indulging in raw oysters after dark actually risky or unhealthy? Let’s take a comprehensive look at the potential pros and cons.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Oysters at Night?

While oysters eaten during the day offer the same nutritional benefits, there are some advantages unique to late night oyster eating:

Discounts: Many restaurants offer late night oyster happy hours with significant discounts on these briny bivalves. Oysters may be cheaper but not less fresh.
Aphrodisiac effect: Oysters have a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Their high zinc content may boost libido and improve sleep.
Nutrition Oysters supply protein, omega-3s vitamin D vitamin B12, iron, selenium and other essential nutrients the body may need after a long day.
Low calorie With about 50 calories each, oysters are a lighter meal option compared to heavy late night snacks Their fat content is primarily heart-healthy omega-3s
Fat burning: The omega-3s in oysters may help burn fat overnight while the protein keeps you feeling fuller longer.

So in terms of nutrition, libido and budget, oysters can be a smart late night choice. But there are also some potential risks to keep in mind.

What Are the Risks of Eating Raw Oysters at Night?

Most concerns with after-hours oysters revolve around food safety:

Bacterial infections: Raw oysters may contain Vibrio, Salmonella, E. Coli or other bacteria leading to vomiting, diarrhea and fever if contaminated.
Virus transmission: Raw oysters can also harbor dangerous viruses like norovirus, hepatitis A and poliovirus.
Contaminants: As filter feeders, oysters may concentrate toxins, metals or pollution in their habitat.
Rougher waters: Some argue Vibrio risk is higher at night as oysters close up and may concentrate more bacteria in warmer months. However, there is limited evidence supporting nighttime posing higher risk.
Careless handling: Lower night staffing in some restaurants may lead to lax temperature control or improper oyster storage compared to peak hours.

However, these risks primarily depend on the oysters’ origin and handling practices, not the time of day.

How to Choose Safe Oysters for Late Night Eating

If you want to indulge in late night oysters, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risks:

Source carefully: Only buy from reputable, licensed vendors with experience shipping and serving raw oysters. Avoid sketchy bulk deals.
Check tags: Oyster containers should be tagged with harvest location and date information to ensure freshness and traceability.
Look for certification: Choosing oysters with tags from shellfish safety programs like the ISSC (Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference) can help.
Inspect appearance: Oysters should look plump, juicy and have tightly closed shells. Discard any with cracks or holes.
Give a sniff: Fresh oysters have a sweet, briny scent. Pass on any with a strong fishy, ammonia-like odor.
Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask servers how and when the oysters were received, stored and handled.
Check temps: Make sure oysters are properly chilled before shucking and served over ice. Warm oysters can breed bacteria.

Pro Tips for Safe Oyster Eating

Beyond choosing oysters carefully, there are some preparation tips to remember:

Wash thoroughly: Rinse oyster shells well before shucking to remove debris and sand.
Shuck with care: Use a clean shucking knife and wear gloves to prevent introducing germs.
Discard lifeless ones: If oysters don’t close up when tapped, toss them. Only eat live oysters.
Serve cold: Chilled oysters inhibit bacterial growth. Serve over ice and refrigerate any leftovers.
Cook compromised ones: If any oyster meat smells funky or looks off, cook them thoroughly before eating.
Limit quantity: Stick to 6 or fewer per person, especially for those with compromised immune systems.
Know your risks: Avoid raw oysters if you have liver disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Are the Risks Worth It?

At the end of the day, is saving a few bucks on late night oysters worth the gamble? For most healthy individuals, the risk is very low, especially when precautions are taken. The state of the oyster itself and how it was handled matters far more than what hour it’s consumed. While raw oysters are never 100% risk-free, by making smart choices the rewards of these tasty, nutrient-packed bivalves can outweigh any minimal risks. Listen to your body – if you experience any nausea, fever or diarrhea after indulging, avoid them in the future. Otherwise, go forth and shuck!

The Verdict on Late Night Oysters

Can you enjoy raw oysters safely at night? Absolutely. While there are inherent risks with consuming any raw shellfish, late night itself does not make oysters more dangerous. As long as you choose fresh oysters from reputable sources and use proper handling precautions, there is minimal additional risk compared to eating them during daylight hours. The lower prices and natural aphrodisiac properties can actually make nighttime an ideal opportunity to indulge in moderation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and risk tolerance. Just be smart about sourcing and preparation.

is it bad to eat oysters at night

THE “YOU ASKED FOR IT” TRUTH

See Erin Byers Murray, author of “Shucked: Life on a New England Oyster Farm,” blog post about it.

When you Google “oysters” and “poop” together, the conversation takes on a depressingly misinformed, ignorant, fearful form. Some particularly one-sided, skewed articles by fairly prominent publications aren’t helping the cause. I mean, can someone just register oysterpoop. com and clear the air about oysters and foodborne illness. It does happen, but not nearly as often as it does with other foods. I don’t get why people who are grossed out by raw oysters are fine with eating the meat from sketchy fast food places.

Still Life with Fruit, Oysters, and Wine by Everhart Kuhn, ca. 1865 (source: Smithsonian Magazine).

Probably not. There is limited scientific evidence that supports this claim, but what we lack in science-based data, we humans love to fill in with anecdotal truth! Basically, if eating a dozen oysters get you in the mood, then just call it a win.

It’s because of the Romans, King Henry the IV, Casanova (who said he ate 50 oysters for breakfast every day and that’s why he had such a famous libido), and over-the-top oyster marketing.

Oysters do contain a pretty high amount of zinc and other great nutrients (vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins C, D, and E, iron, magnesium, and selenium), which are important in reproductive development and overall health. A study published in 2005 found two amino acids, D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), in shellfish, like oysters, that were shown—at least in animals—to increase testosterone production. So there is that.

But to cite WebMD’s great post about aphrodisiacs, “No food has been scientifically proven to stimulate the human sex organs. But foods and the act of eating can suggest sex to the mind, which in turn can help stimulate desire in the body.”

WHAT PEA CRABS TASTE LIKE

Not much. Salty like the sea, and the texture is like kind of like alfalfa sprouts. If eating them alive makes you squeamish, then pan fry them up with a dash of Old Bay.

Myths about eating raw oysters

FAQ

Are oysters good before bed?

Oysters, which contain the minerals magnesium and zinc, may help you fall asleep and remain asleep, allowing you to enter the deep restorative period of sleep.

When should you not eat oysters?

In the northern hemisphere, the old rule that native oysters should only be eaten when there’s an ‘r’ in the month still holds true; so eat oysters from September to April. During the summer months they’re busy spawning, and their flesh becomes unpleasantly soft and milky. Rock oysters are available all year round.

Is it bad to eat seafood at night?

Magnesium, a mineral found in abundance in shrimp, plays a crucial role in sleep regulation. It helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. For students looking to catch some quality Zzzs, including shrimp in their diet can be a tasty and effective choice.

Do oysters help in bed?

Oysters are a good source of many nutrients that may help support sexual health. In particular, the zinc in oysters may increase testosterone levels and help maintain healthy levels of dopamine. Their heart-healthy omega-3 fats may furthermore increase blood flow to prevent issues such as erectile dysfunction.

Can you eat too many oysters?

Oysters can be a delicious and nutritious addition to a meal, but it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of eating too many oysters. One of these dangers is the high sodium content of oysters. High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Are oysters bad for cholesterol levels?

No, on the contrary, studies show that frequent consumption of oysters manages to lower cholesterol levels, due to the high content of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6).

What happens if you eat raw oysters?

Norovirus outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked oysters, particularly those harvested from polluted waters. Eating too many contaminated oysters can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience fever or headaches.

Can you eat oysters year-round?

In actuality, oysters can be eaten year-round because of increased food safety handling, more monitoring and accountability for oyster farmers, and the fact that most oysters are now farmed instead of wild-caught. Why did people say the “R” months are safest? The original advice is that you should: