Don't think of sea cucumber as a vegetable that grows in water by being fooled by its name. He is a sea creature. It has been an important food source in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Today, it appears on the menus of different restaurants around the world. You can even see its name as sea eggplant around here. This sea creature is also called sea cucumber.
What is a sea cucumber?
Sea cucumberor aliasSea cucumber is not a food that we are very familiar with.
It lives on seafloors all over the world. The largest population is found in the Pacific Ocean.
This sea creature has a soft, tubular body that resembles a large worm. It is collected by divers or grown commercially in large, artificial ponds.
It is a great source of protein. In addition, it finds its place in alternative medicine applications to treat some ailments.
How to use sea cucumber?
It has been used as a food source and medicinal substance in Asian and Middle Eastern countries for centuries. These leech-like creatures are used fresh or dried in food. The most common use is the dry ones.
Usually Chinese cabbage, winter melon andshiitake mushroom It is consumed in combination with foods such as This sea creature is considered medicinal in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used in the treatment of ailments such as arthritis, cancer, frequent urination and impotence.
Sea cucumber nutritional value
It is an excellent source of nutrients. The nutritional value of 112 grams of sea cucumber is as follows:
It is very low in calories and fat. Because it is rich in protein, it is a food that helps to lose weight.
It also contains powerful substances such as antioxidants that are beneficial for our health.
Protein-rich foods such as sea cucumbers are especially helpful for diabetics who want to control their blood sugar.
Also, a protein-rich diet benefits heart health, lowers blood pressure, and improves bone density.
What are the benefits of sea cucumber?
Contains useful ingredients
Sea cucumbers aren't just loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains some ingredients that may be beneficial to overall health.
For example, it contains phenols and flavonoid antioxidants known to reduce inflammation in the body.
Those who are fed these substances have a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.
It is rich in compounds called triterpene glycosides, which have anti-fungal, anti-tumor and immune system-boosting properties.
Moreover, this marine animal contains very high levels of chondroitin sulfate, an important component of human connective tissue found in cartilage and bone.
Foods and supplements containing chondroitin sulfate benefit those with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Has cancer fighting properties
Sea cucumber contains a substance called cytotoxin that fights cancer cells.
Has anti-microbial properties
sea cucumber extract, It prevents the growth of bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus and S. typhi that can cause diseases.
It fights sepsis, a life-threatening complication associated with harmful bacteria.
It is beneficial for heart and liver health
Various animal studies have shown that this sea creature can improve heart and liver health.
Relieves arthritis and joint pain
sea cucumber, joint pain andarthritisIt is rich in chondroitin sulfate, known for its ability to reduce i.
This beneficial seafood contains glycine and arginine, which are beneficial in boosting the immune system.
glycineStimulates the production and release of IL-2 and B cell antibodies. These antibodies play an important role in getting rid of foreign bodies.
Arginine increases cell immunity by promoting the activation and proliferation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that fights pathogens and cancer cells.
Decreases asthma attacks
Studies have shown that sea cucumber extract can be used as a natural remedy for asthma.
Keeps bones healthy
Sea cucumbers are a great source of calcium, which helps keep bones strong.
In addition, the high collagen content acts as a structural component to which calcium adheres.
It helps maintain high levels of calcium in the bones, increasing bone mineral density and maintaining bone strength.
How to eat sea cucumber?
Thoroughly rinse the salt and sand from the surface of the sea cucumber.
Soak in clean water for 2-3 days, changing the water daily. Some of the varieties available may take longer to soften. You can adjust the soaking time according to the situation.
Cook the soaked sea creature in boiling water for about 20-30 minutes. Then turn off the stove and let it cool.
Remove from water and cut to remove entrails and then rinse with warm water.
Rinse in running water and then boil for another 20 minutes.
If it is still hard, repeat the boiling process two or three times until completely softened.
For storage, drain the cooked sea cucumber and store it in a plastic container or bag in the freezer. Frozen ones can keep their freshness for up to a year.
Sea cucumber, whether dried or frozencooked in the same way. Once softened or thawed, place in a large pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and let it cook for an hour.
An hour laterIf it does not soften, boil for another 30-60 minutes in fresh water, do a cook test every 10-15 minutes.
When fully cooked, the sea cucumber doubles or triples its original size. It will be soft to the touch, but there will be a slight ricochet when pressed on the meat. Be careful not to overcook it or it will become very soft and mushy.
What are the harms of sea cucumber?
Sea cucumber has been consumed around the world for centuries and has been considered relatively safe. But there are some potential concerns as well.
First of all, this sea creature has anticoagulant properties, meaning it can thin the blood.
Patients taking blood-thinning medications should avoid sea cucumber, especially in concentrated supplement form, to reduce the risk of bleeding.
This sea creature is in the same family as the sea urchin and starfish.shellfishPeople with neither allergies should avoid these seafood.
