Sea cucumber benefits, season, preparation method, storage method

Sea cucumber Nutrition

Sea cucumber, meaning sea ginseng, has a cylindrical, elongated body with bumpy protrusions. Because of this appearance, in foreign countries, they are called sea cucumbers because they resemble cucumbers. Since they mainly live at the bottom of the sea, you have to dive to collect them. It can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as raw, steamed or stewed, or stir-fried.

Sea cucumber benefits

1. Anticancer Effect

Sea cucumber helps inhibit the growth and metastasis of malignant tumors. Sea cucumbers are rich in saponin, which is found in large quantities in their internal organs and glands. Saponin can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and improves the body’s immune function, helping prevent cancer. In addition, selenium contained in sea cucumbers has a clear anti-cancer effect by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in blood vessels.

2. Cardiovascular health

Consuming sea cucumbers regularly may benefit heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. Sea cucumbers are low in fat and are an important source of protein for heart health. Sea cucumbers also contain an ingredient called fucose, which helps blood circulation by preventing the formation of blood clots and purifying the blood. This effect is effective in preventing and improving cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

3. Improvement of joint pain

Sea cucumbers are rich in chondroitin sulfate, the main component of cartilage. This ingredient is so effective in relieving arthritis that it is even used as an ingredient in joint medicine sold on the market. Additionally, sea cucumbers also contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds, so consuming them regularly can help reduce joint pain associated with arthritis. It is also effective in preventing bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

4. Liver health

Sea cucumbers also help with liver health. Research has shown that regularly consuming sea cucumbers reduces oxidative stress in the body and significantly reduces liver damage. It has also been used as a medicine since ancient times because it is said to strengthen the kidneys and liver. Because it has properties that prevent liver damage and restore liver function, it can also help relieve hangovers.

5. Skin Health

When you eat sea cucumber, you can feel the chewy texture. This is the cartilage of the sea cucumber, and this part is rich in an ingredient called chondroitin. This ingredient has an antioxidant effect that removes free radicals and prevents cell damage. This helps prevent aging of skin cells and promotes skin health. It is also effective in improving skin diseases such as freckles.

6. Improvement of immunity

Rich saponin and antioxidant ingredients can be of great help in improving the body’s immunity. All nutrients in sea cucumber can strengthen the body’s immune cells, block external bacteria, and help with antibacterial action. In addition, it can be a good food to prevent seasonal diseases that are easy to catch in October, when sea cucumbers are in season.

Care and storage instructions

1. First, soak the sea cucumber in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove the saltiness.
2. Cut both sides, split in the middle, remove the intestines, and wash under running water.
3. Add 3 drops of vinegar to a special container and soak for 20 minutes.
4. Afterwards, drain the water and store it in the refrigerator or freezer according to its intended use.

Side Effect

1. People with weak digestive systems should be careful because excessive consumption of sea cucumbers may cause side effects such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.
2. Sea cucumber has anticoagulant properties, so people taking blood thinners should avoid consuming it.
3. People who are allergic to seafood should refrain from consuming sea cucumber as an allergic reaction may occur.

References

💠MedicineNet: Sea Cucumber: Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage
💠Deep Blue Health: Sea Cucumber Benefits