MEDICAL BENEFITS of SEA CUCUMBER
Commonly found in benthic areas and deep seas, the sea cucumber is a highly coveted marine creature. This elongated organism, comprising over 1,700 species, is esteemed for its culinary appeal and extensive applications in traditional medicine. Notable examples, such as the Sandfish sea cucumber, golden sandfish sea cucumber, pineapple sea cucumber, and white teat fish, are among edible species recognized for their medicinal properties and low toxicity. Some cultures even consider these echinoderms to possess aphrodisiac qualities.
Preserving the Amino Acids in Sea Cucumbers.
The pen culture method is employed in sea cucumber harvesting, involving the removal of entrails and skewering them from the bottom before boiling with papaya leaves. Subsequently, harvesters wash and sun-dry the sea cucumbers for up to three days.
To safeguard the amino acids in dried sea cucumbers, it is crucial to maintain the temperature of papaya leaf slices and boiling water between 550-650°C. Alternatively, soaking sea cucumbers in water for at least two days, changing the water daily, followed by a half-hour boil, helps retain their nutritional value. After cleaning, sea cucumbers can be sliced and combined with other ingredients.
Health Benefits of Sea Cucumbers
Explore the health advantages offered by this tube-shaped marine creature:
1. Enhancement of Sexual Health:
Sea cucumbers, rich in protein and essential amino acids like arginine and threonine, contribute to the synthesis of muscle proteins and androgen hormones such as testosterone. These hormones play a pivotal role in developing male reproductive organs and regulating male fertility. Certain sea cucumber species, such as Holothurea Scabra {sandfish} H. fuscogilva and A. mauritiana, are particularly valued for their perceived aphrodisiac properties.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes various factors contributing to a low sex drive, including psychological stressors, Liver Qi Stagnation, and deficiencies in the Heart and Spleen. Sea cucumber benefits are believed to address Kidney deficiencies, strengthening vital essence and blood, thereby boosting stamina and sex drive.
2. Wound Healing:
Sea cucumbers, with their fatty acid composition, may support optimal wound healing. Research indicates that sea cucumber extracts, particularly those in phosphate buffer saline, contain higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), associated with wound healing activity. Consuming sea cucumber essence, akin to a herbal tonic, may aid in reducing fatigue and fortifying the body after illness or surgery.
3. Cancer Management
Natural compounds from sea cucumbers, such as Frondoside A, exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing programmed cell death in cancer cells. Sea cucumbers also demonstrate anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects, with compounds like Ds-echinoside A inhibiting cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in liver cancer cells.
4. Potential Heart Disease Risk Reduction
The intake of sea cucumbers, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease, while promoting effective wound healing. Additionally, sea cucumbers contain lysine and arginine, which contribute to reducing cholesterol levels in the serum and aorta.
It’s important to note that sea cucumber consumption should be approached with caution for individuals on blood-thinning medications like warfarin due to its blood-thinning properties.
Diverse Cooking Options for Sea Cucumber
Sea cucumber can be prepared and consumed in various ways. For individuals with internal heat and lumps, pairing sea cucumber with black fungus is recommended. Those experiencing symptoms of Kidney and Liver yin deficiencies can combine sea cucumber with rock sugar, addressing issues like giddiness, tinnitus, dry throat, and hard stools. Assuredly, indulging in this seafood not only satisfies cravings but also contributes to overall health in diverse ways.
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