What is sea cucumber?

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Sea cucumber is a tubular sea creature that has been an important part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. Today, this tiny animal is having a renaissance in restaurants around the world. This marine life offers a host of health benefits for those brave enough to give them a try.

1. What is sea cucumber?


Sea cucumbers (Sea cucumbers) are part of a larger group of animals called echinoderms, which also include starfish and sea urchins. Their body shape is similar to that of a cucumber, but they have small tentacle-like legs that are used for locomotion and feeding. One way that sea cucumbers can confuse or harm predators is by pushing their toxic internal organs out of the body in the direction of an attacker. The organs grow back and it can help keep them from being eaten. Depending on the species, sea cucumbers typically vary in size from less than an inch (2.5 centimeters) to more than six feet (1.8 meters).

2. Where is sea cucumber found?


Sea cucumbers are found in most marine environments around the world, from shallow to deep sea environments. Sea cucumbers are benthic, meaning they live on the ocean floor. However, their larvae are plankton, which means they float in the ocean with currents.
Sea cucumbers have both sexual and asexual reproduction. Unlike most land animals, the eggs of sea cucumbers undergo fertilization outside the female dropping the eggs into the fertilized water when they come into contact with the sperm that the male has released. For this form of reproduction to be successful, several males and females must be together at the same time. A sea cucumber can live from 5 to 10 years.

Hải sâm được tìm thấy ở hầu hết các môi trường biển trên khắp thế giới
Hải sâm được tìm thấy ở hầu hết các môi trường biển trên khắp thế giới

3. Benefits of Sea Cucumber


Sea cucumbers have important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that provide important health benefits. For example, they contain riboflavin, which is a vitamin needed by your body for energy production and metabolism. Riboflavin also helps process other nutrients and medications in the body, making it an important component of your diet.
Sea cucumbers are also a good source of magnesium, which helps the heart beat and bones develop, and contributes to healthy DNA production.
In addition, sea cucumbers can provide other health benefits such as:

3.1. Heart health


Regularly eating sea cucumbers can help you improve aspects of heart health, such as lowering cholesterol levels. Studies also show that sea cucumbers can help lower blood pressure levels. It is important to note that these studies were performed in rodents and the effects on humans may vary. Furthermore, sea cucumbers are low in fat, making them an excellent source of lean protein.

Ăn hải sâm thường xuyên giúp cải thiện sức mạnh tim mạch
Ăn hải sâm thường xuyên giúp cải thiện sức mạnh tim mạch

3.2. Liver health


The liver plays an important role in keeping the blood and digestive system healthy. Early research shows that eating sea cucumbers might help reduce the risk of liver damage. One study found that sea cucumbers reduced oxidative stress in rats. In humans, reducing oxidative stress reduces the risk of health problems such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

3.3. Reduce the risk of cancer


Sea cucumbers are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (micronutrients from plant-based foods), which have been linked to reducing inflammation in the body. This has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases. In fact, inflammation is linked to a higher risk of cancer, and so consuming dietary polyphenols may help reduce cancer risk.

4. Nutritional value of Sea cucumber


Sea cucumbers are an excellent source of niacin, which is an essential nutrient; However, it is not easily produced in the body. Consuming enough niacin helps your body process food into energy and keeps your skin healthy, while also preventing diseases like pellagra, a disease characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, and possible memory loss. cause death if not treated.
In addition, sea cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamins: Vitamins A, C, Riboflavin, Niacin, Antioxidants, Magnesium, Calcium
Nutrients per serving. A 100-gram serving of sea cucumber contains:
Calories: 56; Protein: 13 grams; Fat: Less than 1 gram; Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram; Fiber: Less than 1 gram; Sugar: Under 1 gram.

Hải sâm là một nguồn tuyệt vời của niacin
Hải sâm là một nguồn tuyệt vời của niacin

5. Things to pay attention to


Different species of sea cucumber can have different effects on the body when consumed. Many species have mild blood-thinning properties. While this won't affect most people, anyone who is taking Warfarin or other blood thinners should avoid eating large amounts of sea cucumbers.
Another important thing to watch for is shellfish allergies. While sea cucumbers are not shellfish, they are often prepared with shellfish and can cause a similar allergic reaction.

6. How to eat sea cucumber


Sea cucumbers can be found year-round in specialty grocery stores such as Asian supermarkets. Fresh sea cucumbers are most easily found along the coastal regions; however, dried sea cucumbers can be found all over the country.
Sea cucumbers are best prepared by soaking in water before cooking. You should soak the sea cucumbers for at least two days, changing the water at least once a day. When the sea cucumbers have softened in the water, season with seasoning, then add oil.
After soaking the sea cucumbers, boil for half an hour. Next, clean it, making sure to remove its internal organs. After completing these steps, slice the sea cucumber and pair it with other flavorful foods like shiitake, shiitake, and cabbage.
Here are some ways you can include sea cucumber in your diet:
Braised sea cucumber Add sea cucumber to stir fry Make sweet and sour sea cucumber Make sea cucumber porridge (a type of rice porridge)

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