Australian researchers have discovered that sea cucumbers may possess essential components that can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and mitigate associated complications.
Sea cucumbers are not actually vegetables, they just resemble the shape of a cucumber.
Sea cucumbers are not plants, they are marine animals belonging to the echinoderm group. They are found in oceans worldwide, particularly in Asia.
Sea cucumber has been valued for its health benefits in Asian cultures for thousands of years.
It is considered a luxury food in Chinese cuisine, commonly used in soups and stir-fries. Additionally, sea cucumber is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its nourishing and disease-protective properties. It is highly regarded as a healthy food, often referred to as the “ginseng of the sea”.
Sea cucumber supplements offer various health benefits, such as blood-thinning effects, blood pressure reduction, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as potential anti-cancer and wound-healing abilities.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious chronic condition affecting millions worldwide.
However, the good news is that in many cases it can be prevented or delayed through simple lifestyle changes. Research has shown that up to 58% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a healthy diet.
When proteins and/or fats combine with sugars in the bloodstream, they lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Elevated levels of AGEs have been linked to heart disease, kidney failure, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetics are at a higher risk of excessive AGE production, which can accumulate in the body.
Researchers discovered that a combination of sun-dried, salted sea cucumber and collagen can effectively suppress AGEs by reducing sugar-related metabolites in the body.
