To lead a healthy life it is important to have healthy food along with a healthy lifestyle. The lifestyle can be made healthy by exercising and performing yoga and meditation. Consumption of good and proper diet necessary as it also contributes to maintaining the good health of an individual. One such food is Sea Cucumber. Though Sea cucumber is less common in the West but in many Asian countries it is recognized as a delicacy.
In This Article:
Sea Cucumbers
These are not a vegetable but marine creatures that live on the ocean floor. They look alike large caterpillars or tube shaped long worms. Commonly found in the Pacific Ocean floor , these are rich in having anti-cancer properties. Due to such health benefits is it being cultivated and grown in artificial ponds. These are slippery in texture with a bland flavor. These are not toxic and are being used by humans for centuries. These can be used in making oils , tinctures and cosmetic creams.
Top 7 Health Benefits of Sea Cucumbers
Some of the health benefits of Sea Cucumbers are as follow :
Treatment for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Sea Cucumbers are known to contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds. One such compound is chondroitin sulfate which found in reducing the pain of joints often arthritis. It is found effective in moderate to severe pain treatment.
Cancer Prevention
Many types of research have proved that , sea cucumber helps in fighting against cancer. A compound known as triterpenoid glycoside from a species of Sea Cucumber is known to have a cytotoxic effect on the progressive lung cancer cells. This compound also inhibits the survival , diathesis and invasion abilities of cancerous cells. Other studies reveal that these are helpful in inhibiting the proliferation of human microvascular endothelial cells and also migrating them. Therefore , Sea Cucumbers are known for their cytotoxic as well as anti-angiogenic property.
Cardiovascular Health Benefit
Sea cucumbers contain a high amount of proteins and a low amount of fat. Thus , helping the heart to work efficiently. This high protein diet is beneficial in preventing heart diseases to occur.
Immune System
Sea Cucumbers are known to contain glycine and arginine which are essential amino acids required by our body to boost up immunity. Glycine has a stimulatory effect on B-cell to produce B cell antibodies and also IL-2 (Interleukin). Such antibodies battle against the foreign bodies entering our body. On the other hand arginine increases the activity of lymphocytes thereby strengthening our immune system and promoting good healthy life.
Against HIV Infection
Chondroitin sulfate also has a protective nature against HIV. Sea Cucumber therefore , considered as ideal food fare for individuals mitigating HIV symptoms. It is beneficial to include sea cucumber to the diet in order to prevent HIV.
Wound Healing
Sea Cucumber help in healing the wound quickly. These are known to regenerate their own body tissue when injured. This protective nature of sea cucumber is contributed by an essential fatty acid called arachidonic acid.
Other Benefits
There are other benefits also like it helps in improving gum health. Sea Cucumber is added as an ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste and has cure gum related problems in many people. Gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis can be treated by such toothpaste. It is also found to reduce bleeding of gums if used for about three months twice a day.
Another use is in treating renal problems such as frequent urination or other kidney problems. Besides this , it is also used to treat impotency in males. Sea cucumber also has antibacterial as well as antifungal properties against a wide spectrum of diseases caused by bacteria and fungi.
Side Effects of Farmed Sea Cucumbers
Nothing in the world has only benefits , there is always some or the other side-effects also associated with it. Such side-effects are observed with Sea Cucumber also. Therefore , it is important to take precautions while using it. Sea-cucumber is contraindicated in :
- People allergic to shellfish.
- It has anti-coagulant property, thus it must be avoided in people Taking medicines such as Warfarin.
Conclusion
Sea Cucumber is the perfect food to be used as a supplement as it is highly rich in proteins required to build the immune system. These are also found to be rich in antioxidant , antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Such benefits are hard to find in a single thing. Therefore , we should consume Sea Cucumber to boost up our immune system and lead a healthy life.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9410154/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36005524/
