How Are Sea Cucumbers Used?

Sea cucumbers are a marine animal that has a long body and leathery skin. They can be found on the sea floor worldwide. Different species of this animal behave in different ways, but many types of sea cucumbers are targeted for human consumption. Sea cucumbers can be used in many different ways to benefit humans, and have been used by Asian cultures for hundreds of years.

  1. Food

    • The Pacific sea cucumber has been used for food by the Chinese people for hundreds of years. It is most often used during special occasions and is not something that is used in everyday food. When caught, the sea cucumber must have its internal organs removed, be cleaned and then it must be boiled and dried to preserve it. To use it in food applications, the dried sea cucumber is softened and prepared in a number of different ways. The traditional cooking process takes a number of hours to complete.

    Medical Purposes

    • Sea cucumber is often eaten or prepared to treat different medical conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that sea cucumber will purify or nourish the blood, treat kidney disorders and cure dryness of the intestines. This species is used to treat weakness, impotence, constipation, urination problems and to rejuvenate older individuals. Sea cucumber is high in protein and low in fat, making it a great diet choice, and in traditional Chinese treatments is combined with other tonics to provide better health.

    Supplements

    • Sea cucumbers are often used as an ingredient in supplements. Supplement pills combine dried sea cucumber with other ingredients to form pills that treat certain ailments and help provide better nutrition. Arthritis supplement pills often include dried sea cucumber. This species of wildlife contains polysaccharide chondroitin sulfate, a compound known to relieve arthritis pain. Other medical and supplement usages are still being explored.

    Scientific Studies

    • Scientific studies are being done to discover new and creative uses for sea cucumbers. For instance, a study in the United Kingdom is researching the use of sea cucumbers in fish farming. These scientists believe that sea cucumbers can be used as a natural cleaner to the large amount of waste produced by fish farms. Sea cucumbers could help clean up waste products and still be used as a food and supplement source.