Some of the Benefits of Sea Cucumbers
Grahanusantara.co.id, – Sea cucumber or sea cucumber is a term given to edible invertebrates of holothuroidea. Sea cucumbers are included in slow-moving animals, live on the bottom of a sand substrate, and in a reef environment.
In Indonesia, sea cucumbers are widely distributed in Riau, Lampung, Sulawesi, West and East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua. According to research, sea cucumbers found in Indonesian waters are from the genus Holothuria, Muelleria, and Stichopus.
Not only that, sea cucumbers have been known as a food ingredient since several thousand years ago, especially in Asia. Animals that tend to live on the ocean floor are rich in nutrients. For example, chondroitin sulfate, glycosides, triterpene, protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C. These nutrients make sea cucumber good for consumption.
Here are some of the benefits of sea cucumbers:
Boosts the Immune System
Sea cucumbers are a very good source of food to boost immunity. This is because the sea cucumber’s body walls contain proteins such as glycine, alanine, glutamic acid, and arginine. These types of protein play an important role in regulating the immune system.
In addition, the amino acid content is believed to be able to maintain and improve the immune system. Several studies have also stated that sea cucumber extract has antiviral functions that can fight HIV and herpes simplex viruses.
Prevent cancer
A study states that sea cucumber extract contains antioxidants that can inhibit the occurrence of free radicals, thus preventing several degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
In addition, titerpene glycosides are believed to have anti-tumor properties. So, these marine animals are believed to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in the body if consumed regularly.
Maintaining Cardiovascular Health
In a study it was stated that sea cucumber contains EPA (eicosapentanooic acid) and DHA (docosehexaenoic acid). Both acids are believed to reduce blood viscosity, prevent blood clots, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
It is also known that these marine animals contain higher protein than other foods. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, consuming 6 ounces of sea cucumber meets the required minimum daily protein intake. Isn’t that interesting?
Accelerate Wound Healing
For those of you who are injured, consuming sea cucumber can be an alternative, you know. This is because the amino acid content in marine animals is believed to accelerate the healing of external and internal wounds.
Proteus mirabilis bacteria, which are wound-infecting bacteria, are proven to have inhibited growth after being given sea cucumber extract.
It is not enough to stop there, it turns out that this unique shaped animal also contains collagen, which is a substance needed to form the skin layer.
Overcoming Joint Pain
Sea cucumber is a source of mucopolysaccharides, especially chondroitin which functions to reduce bone pain. One study states that consuming 3 grams of dried sea cucumber per day can help reduce joint pain significantly.
As an Antimicrobial and Antifungal
A study shows that the active ingredient, Holothuria tubulosa can inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition, the bioactive ingredients of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) can inhibit the growth of Candida maltose molds.
Other studies have also shown that the substances in sea cucumbers are also able to fight the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that causes various infections in the body. So, for those of you who have problems with microbes or fungi, consumption of sea cucumbers can be the right choice.
Maintains Liver and Kidney Health
The content of essential fatty acids in sea cucumber is useful for strengthening liver cells to release antibodies. While the content of mucopolysaccharide acid is useful for healing kidney disease.
Reduces Asthma Attack
This is based on a study which states that consuming sea cucumber extract can prevent or reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
Strengthens Bones
The next benefit of sea cucumber is as a bone strengthening. One of these sea animals has a high enough calcium content and collagen which functions as a tissue binder in bone and skin growth.
Maintain Healthy Gums
If you use a sea cucumber extract-based toothpaste, you will avoid gum disease, you know. The gums will bleed less frequently and the plaque will reduce.
Prevents Wrinkles
The benefits of this one sea cucumber are very popular with women. Yes, it turns out that using beauty products containing sea cucumber extract can prevent the skin from wrinkling. This marine biota extract is able to treat thin and dry skin and reduce fine lines on adult skin.
Sea cucumbers do save a million benefits that are useful for health. However, behind it all, there are things that must be considered before consuming this marine biota. This needs to be done to avoid something unwanted happening.
Before consuming it:
Make sure beforehand you do not have allergies to seafood. This needs to be considered considering the allergic reactions in each person are different. Some are in the category of mild allergies, but some are immediately severe.
Not suitable for consumption by those of you who are taking blood thinning drugs. If consumed without proper calculation, it can cause bleeding and bruising. Consult your doctor first if you want to consume this marine biota.
If you are planning surgical treatment, sea cucumbers should not be consumed at least two weeks before the procedure. This is to avoid excessive bleeding.
Those are some of the benefits of sea cucumbers that not many people know. Not only can they be enjoyed as a tantalizing dish, they also have a million benefits that are good for health. You can make the marine animals above as a promising alternative to treatment.