What are the Benefits of Sea Cucumbers?

Sea cucumbers are not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but can also be a great food source.
Found only in salty waters, sea cucumbers are sausage-shaped animals with a warty and leathery skin. They are widely used as food and folk medicine in many cultures in the Middle East and Asia. Sea cucumbers, though flavorless, readily absorb the flavors of seasonings and foods they are cooked with. However, don't let the bland taste mislead you; these animals have several notable benefits, even cancer prevention.
Cancer Prevention Potential
Eating sea cucumber may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This is because sea cucumbers contain high amounts of compounds known as triterpene glycosides, which have antitumor activity. According to a study by Chinese scientists published in August 2005 in “Cancer Biology & Therapy,” sea cucumbers also contain a compound known as philinopside E, or PE. PE inhibits the formation of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors. This suppresses the growth and proliferation of such tumors in your body.
Anticoagulant Activity
Blood clotting helps prevent excessive bleeding when you are injured. However, clots can also form inside your blood vessels even when you have no obvious physical injury. This can lead to potentially fatal conditions such as pulmonary embolism - - where the blood clots accumulate in lungs - - and restrict the flow of blood. Sea cucumbers contain a compound known as chondroitin sulfate. A study by Brazilian scientists published in September 1996 in the “Journal of Biological Chemistry” found that chondroitin sulfate has anticoagulant activity.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Sea cucumbers have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate pain in patients with conditions such as arthritis. A study by Malaysian scientists that was published in October 2011 in “Marine Drugs” found that sea cucumber supplements reduced inflammation in both male and female rats. This sea animal contains compounds such as monopoly saccharides, chondroitin and glucosamine, which can help relieve arthritis disorders. Such compounds help in the regulation of the balance of certain lipids known as prostaglandins. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis usually have high concentrations of certain prostaglandins, according to a study published in 2008 in the “American College of Rheumatology.”
Wound Healing
Eating sea cucumber or its extracts may have therapeutic effects such as speeding up wound healing. It does so by facilitating the formation of new tissues within a short time -- a property that is believed to stem from the ability of a sea cucumber to regenerate its own body tissues quickly when it is injured. According to the October 2011 "Marine Drugs" study, this is believed to be facilitated by certain fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, present in sea cucumber.

Nutritional Value of Sea Cucumber

Total Weight of Sea Cucumber: 100 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	13 g
Fat	0.4 g
Water	80.7 g
Ash	2.8 g
Calories
Total Calories	56
Calories From Carbohydrate	0.4
Calories From Fat	3.6
Calories From Protein	52
Vitamins
Vitamin A	310 IU
Thiamin	0.1 mg
Riboflavin	0.9 mg
Niacin	3.2 mg
Minerals
Calcium	30 mg
Iron	0.6 mg

Sea cucumbers are known for their anti-aging properties.

The Chinese consider a sea cucumber to be a health panacea and hence, use it for treating kidney disorders, constipation and reproductive problems, including impotency.

Sea cucumbers contain glucosamine and chondroitin that are helpful for treating arthritis.

Sea cucumber is the most popular traditional remedy used by Malay women for treating injuries and wounds caused by episiotomy.

Ointments prepared from sea cucumbers are used for treating back and joint pains by the Peninsular Malaysian communities.

Sea cucumbers are considered as a general health tonic and benefit people with chronic joint pains, tendonitis, sprains, ligament stress and arthritis.

They are commonly used for treating debility among elders, frequent urination and intestinal tract lining.

Sea cucumbers are an instant energy booster.

Sea cucumbers assist in nourishing the brain and heart, as they contain fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), similar to fish oil.

Sea cucumbers extracts are combined with legendary herbs to produce ointments effective for health and beauty that can be used on face, hands, feet, joints, muscles, scalp, hair, mouth, gum and sensitive areas.

Topical application of sea cucumber ointment acts as sun protector, night cream and moisturizer for dry and cracking skin. The ointment helps in restoring a pleasant, soft and supple feeling to the skin.

Scientists from various countries like China, Japan, Russia and United States are working on the extracts of sea cucumbers. According to them, sea cucumbers might prove to be useful in stopping the growth of cancer cells.

References

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-sea-cucumber-5710.html
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/health-benefits-of-sea-cucumber-9397.html