Bone Broth - The Ancient Healing Elixir that Boosts Health and Immunity

Bone broth is an amazing nutritious substance that while certainly not new, is steadily gaining in popularity with a whole new generation of cooks and health & fitness enthusiasts.

By Ty Bollinger
February 14, 2019

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2016. It has been updated and republished in February 2019.

Bone broth is an amazing nutritious substance that while certainly not new, is steadily gaining in popularity with a whole new generation of cooks and health & fitness enthusiasts. Even celebrities are speaking out about the benefits of bone broth nutrition. Basketball star Kobe Bryant and actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Salma Hayak are just a few of the celebs who have publicly proclaimed the numerous health benefits of this ancient savory recipe.

In fact, many people are calling bone broth “nature’s multivitamin” as it contains multiple minerals and other chemical compounds that most people are lacking in their diet. For example, bone broth is packed with:

• Over 19 easy-to-absorb, essential and non-essential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins)
• Collagen/gelatin which helps form connective tissue and promotes strong hair and nails
• Nutrients that support your immune system, good digestion, and brain health

How to Make Bone Broth

As the name implies, bone broth is made by simmering animal bones for several hours to release the nutrients found in the bones, cartilage, and marrow. Vegetables, herbs, and spices are often added for flavor, along with a dash of vinegar to help draw the nutrients from the bones. The resulting broth can be consumed alone, used as a soup base, or added to sauces and other dishes.

Bone broth can be made from any type of animal bones, either cooked or raw. These include chicken & other types of poultry, beef, lamb, wild game, and fish. The only real difference in preparing different types of bone broth is the amount of time that the bones need to be simmered. A broth made with fish bones, for example, only needs to simmer for a few hours, while beef bones need to simmer for 48 hours or more to draw the maximum nutrients from the bones.

The most important consideration when making bone broth is the quality of the ingredients used. Bones from factory farmed animals that have been given hormones and antibiotics are not a good choice. Look for the highest quality, organic sources available for all of your bone broth ingredients.

6 Beneficial Nutrients Found in Bone Broth

1. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) – support collagen and elastin production which is good for the structure of the body, skin, hair, and nails. GAGs also aid in digestive health by helping to restore the intestinal lining. Important GAGs found in bone broth include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate.
2. Glucosamine (hydrochloride and sulfate) – Supports joint strength and mobility by helping to maintain the integrity of cartilage (the rubbery substance within joints that acts as a natural cushion to keep bones from rubbing together). Bone broth can be a delicious and easy alternative to expensive glucosamine supplements for supporting joint health.
3. Hyaluronic Acid – supports healthy tissues, including cell rejuvenation and skin firmness. Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in anti-aging skin care products. Bone broth provides the benefits from the inside out!
4. Chondroitin Sulfate – Often used along with glucosamine to support joint health. Studies have shown that supplementing with chondroitin supports healthy inflammation response as well as cardiovascular health, bone health, skin health, and healthy cholesterol levels
5. Minerals and Electrolytes – Essential minerals, including electrolytes, found in bone broth include calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as many other minerals such as phosphorus. These minerals are important for supporting healthy circulation, bone density, nerve signaling functions, heart health, and digestive health.
6. Collagen – Quality bone broth is a good source of collagen which has a number of important functions in the body. These include helping to form connective tissue (allowing for easier movement) and protecting and sealing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Collagen is a complex protein that is a rich source of 19 amino acids, many of which must be obtained from diet.

Bone Broth Nutrition for Cancer Patients

Bone broth is very high in both protein and nutrients and may be exceptionally beneficial for people with cancer.

Cancer patients who undergo conventional cancer treatments (surgery, chemo, and radiation) often experience a range of issues that impact eating. These can include: nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, sore mouth and/or throat, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and changes in taste and smell of food.

After surgery, for example, the body requires extra calories and protein for wound healing and recovery. However, this is also when most cancer patients have pain and feel tired and often don’t feel up to eating. Bone broth is a great solution because it provides maximum nutrition in an easy-to-swallow form that is easily digested. This is in contrast to many other foods (especially solids) which can be difficult to fully break down.

The broth can be sipped alone, or turned into a base for soup to which you can add other cancer-fighting ingredients (i.e. organic vegetables, turmeric root, ginger, etc). For cancer patients who are experiencing a change in taste (or have lost their sense of taste) due to chemotherapy or radiation, herbs and spices can be easily added to enhance the flavor of the bone broth and make it more palatable.

Conversely, in The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest, Dr. Russell Blaylock addressed the topics of L-glutamine and glutamate in relation to cancer. L-glutamine is an amino acid found in abundance in both plant and animal protein and is converted to glutamate (glutamic acid) as needed by the body. This conversion is performed by an enzyme in your cells called “glutaminase” and its function is to convert glutamine into glutamate.

According to Dr. Blaylock, the idea is to cut down on your glutamine intake. His premise is that eating a lot of sugar and glutamine can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

However, new studies are challenging this. We don’t believe that bone broth should be avoided any more than we believe organic fruits (with natural sugar) should be avoided, because both are foods that God made for our health. And there is a big difference between synthetic, man-made chemical glutamate (like MSG or monosodium glutamate) and natural glutamine.

Bone Broth Supports a Healthy Immune System

One of the most remarkable benefits of bone broth is its ability to support the gut. This provides a holistic effect on the body which even supports healthy immune system function.

Leaky gut occurs when undigested particles from foods seep through tiny openings in the weakened intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream. The immune system detects these particles and becomes hyperactive which in turn increases inflammation. As the immune system releases high levels of antibodies, it causes an autoimmune-like response and attacks healthy tissue.

The collagen/gelatin and the amino acids proline, glutamine, and arginine in traditionally-made bone broths help seal these openings in the gut lining and promote gut integrity.

By restoring gut health, bone broth aids in supporting immune system function and healthy inflammation response. As an added bonus, bone broth can even promote healthy sleep, boost energy during the day, and support a healthy mood… all critical elements when healing from cancer.

Would you like to know ALL the ways to prevent, treat, and beat cancer?

If so, you’ll love what you discover here.

Article Summary

• Contains multiple minerals and other chemical compounds that most people are lacking in their diet.
• Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones for several hours to release the nutrients found in the bones, cartilage, and marrow.
• Look for the highest quality, organic sources available for all of your bone broth ingredients.
• 6 Beneficial Nutrients Found in Bone Broth
  1. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
  2. Glucosamine (hydrochloride and sulfate)
  3. Hyaluronic Acid
  4. Chondroitin Sulfate
  5. Minerals and Electrolytes
  6. Collagen
• One of the most remarkable benefits of bone broth is its ability to support the gut.

[-] Sources and References

• Managing eating problems caused by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
• N-Acetylglucosamine for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Is Glucosamine Good for Joint Pain?
• Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
• CHONDROITIN SULFATE
• Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer: Understanding the Heterogeneity
• Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer: Understanding the Heterogeneity

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/bone-broth-nutrition/

Chondroitin Works as Well as Drugs to Stop Knee Pain, Study Shows

The conventional medication for knee pain is a deal with the devil.

Most of the nearly 50 million Americans with painful knees have osteoarthritis. And the drug of choice is celecoxib. It is one of the world’s biggest-selling pain relievers. Its main draw is that it is non-addicting.1

 by INH Research / August 2, 2017

But as we’ve told you, celecoxib, sold under the brand name Celebrex, increases the risk of heart attack, strokes, and death by 37%. It increases your chances of an ulcer by 81%.2 3

Despite these dangers, 33 million Americans have taken the drug.

A new study shows there’s a safer, natural option that works just as well. It found the supplement chondroitin is just as effective at reducing knee pain as celecoxib—but without the health risks.4

Researchers at the University of Liège in Belgium gathered 604 people with knee arthritis. They were all 50 or older.

The subjects were randomly divided into three groups. One took 200 mg of celecoxib a day. Another took 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate. The third group took a placebo pill. All the pills were made to look identical.

The study was double blind. This means neither the patients nor the researchers knew which subjects were in which group until the study was over.5

As time passed, subjects took pain and function tests. At both three and six months, the chondroitin group had improved just as much patients taking celecoxib. Those in the placebo group did not improve at all.

The study also found that 57% of the chondroitin group reached what is known as “Patient Acceptable Symptom State.” This means their quality of life was no longer diminished by pain. They could do whatever they wanted, unhampered by pain. This was almost identical to the celecoxib group’s 59% score.

Although knee pain relief was almost the same among chondroitin and celecoxib patients, there was one big difference… Twice as many celecoxib takers reported stomach pain.6

Why Most Chondroitin Supplements Don’t Work

Dr. Jean-Yves Reginster is a professor of public health at the University of Liège. He led the study, which was published in the journal Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.

He said that not all chondroitin products are effective. The ones sold in drug stores and supermarkets often contain cheaper grades of the supplement. Their study used what is called “European pharmaceutical grade” chondroitin.

It contains 95% purified chondroitin 6-sulfate and chondroitin 4-sulfate.

Dr. Reginster says that both forms are needed to reduce osteoarthritis pain. One helps strengthen the joint. The other helps heal it.

You can find European pharmaceutical grade chondroitin at health food stores. It’s also available online.

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2017/08/chondroitin-works-well-drugs-stop-knee-pain-study-shows/

Sea cucumber: A ‘miracle’ cancer treatment?

The sea cucumber, an animal found on the ocean floor, has been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries— even as an aphrodisiac— but it’s also been known to treat a wide variety of illness, including certain types of cancer.

Published February 03, 2015 

 FoxNews.com

“They’re not only anti-viral, anti-bacterial but sea cucumbers have been used to treat gingivitis and gum disease, “ Ty M. Bollinger, author of “Cancer: Step Outside the Box,” told Fox News.

The sea animal, which resembles a large, spiky caterpillar, is used as an adjunct treatment for those undergoing chemotherapy because it’s very effective at mitigating the side effects of the cancer treatment, Bollinger said.

“Chemotherapy is an immunosuppressive set of drugs so it kills the cancer cells but in the meantime it kills your immune system… the properties of sea cucumber that are so fascinating is that it… makes [your immune system] run at the perfect speed… that’s why it’s so effective as an adjunct treatment as well as a treatment  in and of itself if people decide to use sea cucumber,” he said.

Besides being immunomodulatory, sea cucumber is cytotoxic, meaning it kills cancer cells

Sea cucumber, while long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is not well known in Western medicine— even though it’s been studied for the last 15 years— because most oncologists use chemotherapy, radiation, and therapy as their primary cancer treatments.

“Most people haven’t heard about anything that their doctors haven’t told them about and most doctors aren’t familiar with the sea cucumber. I’m not aware of any medical school that has courses teaching them on sea cucumbers at this point,” Bollinger said.

Sea cucumber can be cooked and eaten, as the Chinese do, or dried, made into a powder and packed into capsules to take in pill form.

“One of the fascinating things about sea cucumbers also is that it is very high in chondroitin sulfate, which you’re familiar with to treat joint pain and arthritis,” Bollinger said. “Well, sea cucumber, to my knowledge, has the highest concentration of chondroitin sulfate of any animal… it’s used very effectively for joint pain and arthritic pain.”

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/02/03/sea-cucumber-miracle-cancer-treatment.html

Beyond Glucosamine and Chondroitin

-No article date -

As people age, there are several aspects of their health that they may pay more attention to in the interest of maintaining their independence. Optimal cholesterol and blood pressure levels support cardiovascular function. Puzzles and word games become tools for boosting cognitive health.
However, one of the most important variables that can influence a person’s ability to live on his or her own is mobility. As many senior citizens will attest, it is hard to stay active and move about when your joints are stiff, creaky and painful.

Arthritis 101

Cartilage is a central tissue found in the joints. It covers the ends of the bones that meet at these junctures and allows them to move smoothly against each other. If the cartilage breaks down, this buffer between the bones of the joints gets weaker, causing them to rub against each other. This leads to pain, swelling and loss of motion.

The two most common forms of cartilage breakdown are osteoarthritis, which affects 27 million Americans aged 25 and older, and rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that 1.3 million Americans have. By the year 2030, some 67 million individuals in the U.S. will have arthritis. This is partly due to the growing number of seniors.

In recent years, consumers have grown increasingly interested in a number of natural approaches to maintaining joint health, including vitamins and other supplements. Two of the most widely known products are glucosamine and chondroitin.

However, while these two giants dominate the joint health discussion, several proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats and herbs often go unnoticed…until now.

Collagen for Joint Health

One important component of cartilage is collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen makes up one-fourth of all the protein found in your body. It helps form teeth and bones, while also supporting the elasticity of the skin and internal organs.

Because of the role collagen plays in several connective tissues, researchers have taken an interest in its potential role in joint health. One team of scientists in China conducted an experiment on more than 450 individuals who had rheumatoid arthritis. Some of these individuals received supplements made from chicken type II collagen and, as a result, experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.

While collagen may support joint health and muscle function, vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidants, is essential to the formation of collagen. One study found that people who were deficient in vitamin C were three times more likely to have arthritis compared to individuals who ate the most foods that contained this nutrient. These may include peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, kale and cauliflower.

Fatten Up Your Joints?

Another nutrient that has drawn the attention of scientists is omega-3 essential fatty acids. In fact, one team of scientists from Canada reviewed 17 previous randomized, controlled trials that took place before 2007. Results showed that after about three to four months, omega-3 supplementation was associated with a reduction in joint pain intensity, morning stiffness, the number of painful joints and the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs. The review authors concluded that omega-3s may help alleviate joint symptoms that are related to rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and menstrual cramps.

Certain types of fatty fish are considered the best dietary sources of omega-3s. These include tuna, salmon, mackerel and herring. Krill oil supplements also provide a healthy source of omega-3s, as they are derived from Antarctic crustaceans that are free from common ocean pollutants.

Go Herbal

Type II collagen and omega-3s are fast becoming two of the most prominent nutrients for joint health. However, researchers are also continuing to study the potential benefits of several other substances.

• Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). In one double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 85 subjects with regular, painful, primary osteoarthritis of the knee or hip received ASU, while 79 subjects received a placebo. A 15-day washout period, where patients stopped taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), preceded the study. Pain decreased in the ASU group compared to the placebo group and fewer patients in the ASU group required NSAIDs (48 percent versus 63 percent in the placebo group).
• Turmeric. One team of scientists from Thailand compared the effects of turmeric extracts to ibuprofen in more than 100 individuals who had osteoarthritis of the knee. After six weeks of treatment, there were no significant differences between subjects who took either regimen when it came to pain while walking.
• Methylsufonylmethane (MSM). MSM provides a source of dietary sulfur, which may otherwise be destroyed when the digestive system breaks down fruits, vegetables, dairy and other foods. Half the body’s sulfur is found in the muscles, bones and skin.
  Research conducted in Arizona evaluated the effectiveness of MSM among 50 men and women who had osteoarthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, study participants who received MSM supplements experienced greater improvements in their symptoms, compared to those who took placebo.
• Bromelain. This enzyme, found in pineapples, has been linked to optimal joint and muscle function. German researchers compared bromelain to the drug diclofenac for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip in 90 patients. After six weeks, patients who took the former treatment experienced greater improvements in pain, stiffness and physical function when compared to subjects who took the latter regimen.
• Boswellia serrata. In recent years, scientists have studied the potential for the extracts from this herb to act as anti-arthritic analgesics. One international team evaluated one formulation of Boswellia serrata in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The trial assigned 70 patients to receive either this extract or a placebo for 90 days. Results showed that subjects who took the experimental formulation experienced significant improvements in as little as seven days.
• Vitamin D. This nutrient helps take mechanical pressure of the joints by increasing muscle strength. It has also been linked to proper function of the immune system, which may decrease the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Lose the Weight

In addition to making sure that you consume the right amounts of various nutrients, it is important to maintain a healthy weight in order to keep the joints fully functional. Mechanical wear and tear is a common cause of the breakdown of cartilage. Keeping excess weight off may help alleviate some of the physical stress placed on joints.

When it comes to diet, aim for the majority of your diet to come from fruit, vegetables, legumes, lean protein and wild, cold-water fish. You will also want to limit acidic foods such as sodas and coffee, which can exacerbate joint issues. Aim instead for water and green tea.

Finally, get moving! Turns out, exercise serves several purposes when it comes to joint health. Strength training helps take mechanical stress off the joints by keeping the surrounding muscles strong, while range-of-motion drills maintain flexibility. Work with your physician to determine the most appropriate fitness regimen for you.

Source: http://www.wholehealthinsider.com/mens-health/beyond-glucosamine-and-chondroitin/

Health Benefits of Sea Cucumber Extract

The sea cucumber (Holothuroidea) is a marine invertebrate high in protein, and is used to treat many medical conditions. Related to sea urchins and starfish, they are found around the world on the ocean floor, and are named for their resemblance to the common garden salad vegetable, the cucumber. These sea creatures come in a variety of sizes and colors, from black, to bright red, or even transparent.

There are more than 1,000 different species identified so far. Known for its anti-aging properties, the sea cucumber is popular in Asian cuisine, containing a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, and less than 2% fat. The Chinese name for them is “haishen“, which translates to “ginseng of the sea”.

For many centuries, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine have believed that the oceans hold many of the answers to health, well-being and longevity. In traditional Chinese medicine, marine products have been used to treat kidney disorders, joint pain, general fatigue, constipation and reproductive problems, including impotence. Marine plants and animals are harvested, sometimes boiled, then dried and ground into a powder and made into salves, potions or other forms of medicinal preparations.

These preparations are called nutraceuticals. That is a food or food extract which has a medical or health benefit. Just as pharmaceuticals, man made preparations of various chemicals and who knows what else, nutraceuticals provide the same health benefit with the use of natural components found in the foods we eat. The Holothuroidea extract is known to contain a powerful anti inflammatory, and when prepared with other marine plant and animal extracts, is an effective natural immune modulator.

The medicinal properties of these marine extracts have now come to the attention of the biomedical and scientific sector of the Western World. Collaborative studies by scientists from China, Japan, Russia and the United States indicates that compounds found in sea cucumber extract may help stop the growth of cancer cells.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre is a cancer treatment and research institution, founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital. Research undertaken there indicates that the saponin content (triterpene glycosides) and fatty acids in Sea Cucumber may be useful as an agent to treat malignant growths and diseases. It also shows immense angiogenesis inhibition potential as well.

Researchers at Sloan Kettering say the Holothuroidea is very rich in the mucopolysaccharide chondroitin sulfate. (Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used as an over-the-counter treatment for arthritis pain.) A study published by Daniel O. Clegg M.D. in 2006 issue of “The New England Journal of Medicine” found that chrondroitin sulfate was effective in reducing arthritis pain in the group of subjects with moderate to severe arthritis pain.

Other scientific studies have indicated that Sea Cucumber extract is effective in treating some forms of cancer. A study published by Alexandra B. Roginsky M.D. in July 2010 issue of “Journal of Neuroendocrine Tumours and Pancreatic Diseases and Sciences” states that “extracts from an edible, non-toxic sea cucumber effectively caused cell damage and cell death in human pancreatic cancer cells”. The results of this study are encouraging for the potential use of sea cucumber extract as a dietary supplement which may be used in the treatment or prevention of pancreatic cancer

Posted on 28/03/2012 by tbl12rev

http://tbl-12review.com/health-benefits-of-sea-cucumber-extract/

Health Benefits of Sea Cucumber–A New Wonder Food

OM Times Magazine | August 17, 2012 | 0 Comments


By Dr. Paul Haider

Sea Cucumber is a animal that lives in the sea and has many great health benefits.

Sea Cucumber contains Chondroitin sulfate which is found in many over the counter arthritis formulas and works well to combat the pain of arthritis naturally.

And new studies show that extracts of Sea Cucumber has the ability to kill cancer cells, especially pancreatic cancer cells.

Sea Cucumber contains lots of fatty acids that are great for wound healing — fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic, and many more.–plus vitamins A, B’s and calcium and iron.

Sea Cucumber is great for gum disease… and a 3 month study those that using Sea Cucumber toothpaste healed much faster from gum disease than those who did not get the Sea Cucumber toothpaste.

In Asia, Sea Cucumber is used for impotence, kidney and reproductive problems and in the states Sea Cucumber is used in cosmetics because of it’s great skin healing qualities.

Sea Cucumber is very high in protein… even higher than egg whites and studies show that upping your intake of protein can lead to a lowering of cardiovascular disease. And Sea Cucumber eggs are very high in protein too and considered a great delicacy in Asia.

Sea Cucumber is also a good antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent too.

And there’s great promise that Sea Cucumber will make a powerful protectant against the common cold.

http://omtimes.com/2012/08/health-benefits-of-sea-cucumber-a-new-wonder-food/

The Benefits of Sea Cucumber

By Randi Flynn, eHow Contributor

Sea cucumbers are shaped like a cucumber. 

               

The sea cucumber is not a cucumber at all. It's a marine animal rich in protein that is used to treat many medical conditions and is known for its anti-aging properties. The sea cucumber is not attractive in appearance with its oblong body, but it is a popular seafood with less than 2 percent fat and a high concentration of vitamins. Truly a gift from the sea, the sea cucumber provides many health benefits.

History

• For thousands of years in Asia, sea cucumber was used to help arthritis, fatigue, impotence, constipation, frequent urination and joint pain. Thus, it is highly valued for its supposed medical properties. In addition, these cultures believe in its strong aphrodisiac qualities and healthful properties as a tonic for the kidneys, blood, stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Today sea cucumbers are used in China to treat kidney disorders, constipation and reproductive problems, including impotence.

Benefits

• The benefits of sea cucumbers are numerous. Due to the large amounts of chondroitin sulfate found in it, the sea cucumber is used to ease joint pain and conditions like arthritis. Modern studies show that sea cucumbers improve the balance of prostaglandins, which are helpful for musculo-skeletal inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and arthritis of the spine. In addition, some people use sea cucumber to help the kidneys and treat frequent urination as well as give an instant energy boost. Modern research also indicates that sea cucumbers could help treat malignant growths and diseases due to its fatty acids. These benefits have gained attention, and scientists in many countries believe that certain extracts from sea cucumbers may help stop the growth of cancer cells.

Usage

• Extracts from sea cucumbers are used with herbs to produce ointments that can be used on the face, hands, feet, joints, muscles, scalp, hair, mouth, gums and other sensitive areas. In addition, using sea cucumber as a topical ointment is a great moisturizer. There are not currently any warnings surrounding the usage of sea cucumber. However, like all supplements, it's best to seek the guidance of your doctor before taking it.

http://www.ehow.com/list_6777789_benefits-sea-cucumber.html

Sea Cucumber - The Health Benefits

What Are the Health Benefits of Sea Cucumber?

Dec 8, 2010 | By Robert Shifko 
    

Robert Shifko has more than 17 years' experience in the health care industry. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in pharmacologic research, clinical nuclear medicine, and most recently radiation health physics. He has obtained several certifications in nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics and as a medical radiation safety officer. He has always supported LIVESTRONG.

Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

     

The sea cucumber is a marine animal with leathery skin and an elongated body that resembles the cucumber vegetable. Sea cucumbers are found worldwide on sea floors. The majority of sea cucumbers are obtained for human consumption. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, sea cucumbers are rich in many mucopolysaccharides, saponins and fatty acids, which promote many health benefits when consumed by humans.

Reduce Arthritis Pain

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states that the sea cucumber is very rich in the mucopolysaccharide chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used as an over-the-counter treatment for arthritis pain. A study published by Daniel O. Clegg M.D. in 2006 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine" confirms that the consumption of chrondroitin sulfate was effective in reducing arthritis pain in the group of study subjects with moderate to severe arthritis pain. The results of this study directly links the effectiveness of sea cucumber for treatment of arthritis pain due to the high concentration of chondroitin sulfate.

Cancer Cell Death

Recent scientific studies have also revealed that some extracts obtained from the sea cucumber are effective in treating some forms of cancer. A study published by Alexandra B. Roginsky M.D. in July 2010 issue of "Journal of Neuroendocrine Tumors and Pancreatic Diseases and Sciences" revealed that extracts from an edible, non-toxic sea cucumber effectively caused cell damage and cell death in human pancreatic cancer cells. The result of this study are encouraging for the sea cucumber as a dietary treatment or prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Wound Healing

Scientific research also suggests that the fatty acids contained within the sea cucumber are valuable for tissue repair and wound healing. The specific fatty acids contained within the sea cucumber which are essential for wound healing are oleic, palmitic, linoleic, stearic, arachidic, myristic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. A study performed at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Universiti Kebangasaan Malaysia in Malaysia extracted and analyzed the fatty acid composition of the sea cucumber. Extracts of the sea cucumber were analyzed in four different solvents. The results of the study that the fatty acids responsible for tissue repair remained intact in all four solvents. These results confirm the claim that the sea cucumber contains all the fatty acids necessary for effective tissue repair and wound healing.

References

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Sea Cucumber
• "The New England Journal of Medicine": Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and the Two in Combination For Painful Knee Osteoarthritis
• "Journal of Neuroendocrine Tumors and Pancreatic Diseases and Sciences" : Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Effects of a Polar Extract From the Edible Sea Cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa
• PubMed.gov: Fatty Acid Compositions in Local Sea Cucumber, Stichopus Chloronotus, for Wound Healing
• "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Compositional Characteristics and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh and Processed Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)

Article reviewed by CPerry Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

http://www.livestrong.com/article/328558-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sea-cucumber/