Sea cucumbers are a unique type of seafood that have been part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. They are a tube-shaped sea creature that is low in calories and fat, but high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating sea cucumber can provide a range of health benefits, from improved heart health to reduced inflammation. From a nutritional point of view, sea cucumbers have an impressive profile of valuable nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin) and minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
Like most seafood, sea cucumber is a good source of protein. A 3.5-ounce serving contains 13 grams of high-quality protein. The body needs protein to build and repair strong muscles, hair, skin, bones and connective tissue, and it also depends on proteins in the diet to support the immune system. Sea cucumbers are very low in calories and fat and high in protein, making them a food suitable for weight loss. Sea cucumbers are high in protein, and most species contain 41 to 63% protein.
Adding protein sources to meals and snacks helps keep you full by reducing stomach emptying. Protein-rich foods, such as sea cucumbers, may be especially beneficial for people with diabetes who seek to control their blood sugar levels. In addition, protein-rich diets can benefit heart health, help lower blood pressure and improve bone density. Sea cucumbers are high in lean protein, which the American Heart Association has identified as crucial for heart health. Several studies suggest its potential to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, offsetting the negative aspects of relying solely on red meat protein. Each serving of sea cucumber provides 310 international units of vitamin A, covering 13 percent of the vitamin A needs of women and 10 percent of men.
With medicinal qualities that improve your body from head to toe, read on to discover what you can get by incorporating sea cucumber into your diet. In addition to its lean protein content, sea cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (micronutrients from plant-based foods), which have been linked to a reduction in inflammation in the body. Several studies have linked eating sea cucumber to relieving effects for people with kidney damage, suggesting improved liver and kidney functions by reducing oxidative stress. One of the most popular gourmet dishes is possibly fully braised sea cucumber with 26% mushroom sauce, which is usually served at large Chinese gatherings and banquets. While this won't affect most people, anyone taking warfarin or other blood-thinning medications should avoid eating large amounts of sea cucumber. Sea cucumbers offer a host of health benefits that make them an excellent addition to any diet. They are low in fat and calories but high in lean proteins that can help improve heart health and reduce cholesterol levels.
Sea cucumbers also contain antioxidants and polyphenols that can reduce inflammation in the body and improve liver and kidney functions.
