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.

Prevent Growth 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

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

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