Beneficial substances in sea cucumbers

Active substances

1. Amino acids/Fatty acids

   Sea cucumbers has a large amount, up to 18 of the 20 common amino acids, with the mentioned Glycine as the major. It is also very rich in the important Omega 3 fatty acid. The human body doesn´t produce this itself, so we need to obtain it through food (marine) or supplement. The most important of these Omega 3 acids are EPA and DHA, which contributes in maintaining a normal blood pressure, and normal brain and heart function.

2. Antioxidants

   Antioxidants are compounds that minimize the effect of free radical oxygen molecules, which are oxygen isotopes that are thought to cause damage to cells within the body in excess. Sea cucumbers are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (micronutrients from plant-based foods), which have been linked to a reduction inflammation in the body.

3. Chondroitin sulfate

   Chondroitin sulfate – Sea cucumbers have also been found to contain high levels of this, a common nutrition in supplements, often used in conjunction with glucosamine (also in the sea cucumber) to alleviate osteoarthritis.

4. Magnesium

   Sea cucumbers are loaded with magnesium, which makes them a great boost for bone health. And, as some studies have shown, magnesium helps with anxiety as well.

5. Collagen

   Collagen is known to have a variety of health benefits for heart disease, joint pain, arthritis, and the effects of aging on skin appearance.

6. Zinc

   Zinc is a trace mineral, meaning that the body only needs small amounts, and yet it is necessary for almost 100 enzymes to carry out vital chemical reactions. It is a major player in the creation of DNA, growth of cells, building proteins, healing damaged tissue, and supporting a healthy immune system.

7. Calcium

   Another critical bone health component, calcium also helps your heart and muscles function properly. In fact, some research has suggested a link between calcium and disease prevention.

8. Iron

   Iron is a major component of hemoglobin, a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body. Without enough iron, there aren’t enough red blood cells to transport oxygen, which leads to fatigue.

9. Vitamin A

   Vitamin A moves through the body and has a wide range of benefits. This vitamin affects almost every aspect of your health, including heart and kidney function, brain health, proper skin, lungs, and vision, plus it can give a potent boost to your immune system.

10. Vitamin B2

    Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is another crucial energy supplier in your body. Vitamin B2 helps you break down carbs, fats, and proteins and convert them into useful energy. It’s also critical in the body’s absorption of oxygen.

11. Vitamin B3

    Vitamin B3, Niacin is a powerful vitamin with many health benefits. It can help maintain healthy heart function, and it may also reduce feelings of joint pain or stiffness related to arthritis. Plus, vitamin B3 has been shown to help with cognitive health.

12. Vitamin D

    Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal bone mineralization and to prevent hypocalcemic tetany (involuntary contraction of muscles, leading to cramps and spasms). It is also needed for bone growth and remodeling. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

13. IODINE

    Due to its important role in fetal and infant development and thyroid hormone production, iodine is a essential nutrient for proper health at all life stages. This section focuses on four areas of biomedical research examining iodine’s role in health and disease: fetal and infant development, cognitive function during childhood, fibrocystic breast disease, and radiation-induced thyroid cancer.