Trepang or sea cucumber is an edible clam that many consider a superfood. In Asian countries, it's more than just food. It is a cure for almost all diseases.
About the animal
Meet me! This is trepang.
Despite the fact that it is called a sea cucumber, it is not a plant, but an animal from the genus of invertebrates. Scientifically speaking, the type of echinoderms from the class of holothurias. Trepang most often has an average body length of 15cm, a width of 4cm, but there are also very tiny individuals and those that reach a meter. The color can vary from gray to dark brown and depends on the habitat. The sea cucumber lives in the sea, preferring rocky coves and coral reefs protected from wind and waves. It feeds on organic residues and plankton.
There are 1,150 species of holothurias in nature and not all are edible.
What is unique about this animal?
- Regeneration
This amazing quality of the animal allows it to recover literally from a third of the body. If you cut the animal in half, then in a couple of months it will completely grow new parts and this will not negatively affect its health.
- Resistance to parasites
Many fish and marine animals are susceptible to fungi, bacteria, large and small parasites, but not trepang. Surprisingly, but a fact.
Value
These invertebrates are valued as a delicacy product, as well as medicinal and nutritional properties:
- more than 40 trace elements
- vitamins H, B2, E, C, B5, B9, B6, PP, B1
- chondroitin sulfate is a component of articular tissues and ligaments
- triterpenoids are substances with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, pronounced anti–inflammatory, bactericidal and antitumor effects
- in total, more than 200 nutritional components in high bioavailability
Use and action
Trepang is a multifunctional 100% natural and safe product. It is able to restore the work of all vital organs, thereby improving the quality of human life. Capsules with dried trepang are a natural antibiotic.
The remedy has the following effect on the body:
- Triterpene glycosides of trepang contribute to an increase in the number and mobility of spermatozoa, as well as contribute to an increase in testosterone levels and improve potency;
- increases vitality, endurance, eliminates the effects of intoxication;
- strong antioxidant effect, inhibits the growth of malignant neoplasms;
- anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal action (treats helicobacter);
- stimulates regeneration and rejuvenates tissues;
- normalizes blood pressure and the work of the cardiovascular system,
- restores the elasticity of blood vessels, promotes the resorption of atherosclerotic plaques, reduces the content of sugar and cholesterol in the blood;
- helps with respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia);
- нормализует функции желудка и поджелудочной железы;
- improves blood supply to the fundus, increases visual acuity;
- strengthens connective tissues, relieves joint inflammation.
- neurotropic and myotropic effects, reduces psychoemotional stress;
normalizes sleep, increases mental performance; - it helps to fight inflammation of the genitourinary system and sexual dysfunction.
Interesting facts
- Sea cucumber is a legend of Chinese medicine. For many centuries, trepang extract has been considered an elixir of health, youth, and longevity in Asia.
- In China, the birthplace of the sea cucumber is considered to be a resort town on the shores of the Yellow Sea – Weihai.
- Invertebrates aged at least 7 years are used for food and for medicinal purposes.
- The average cost of one raw trepang on the market in China is about $ 100. And the goods are not stale…
- The sea cucumber suffered greatly from poaching and almost became an endangered species. Therefore, farms have been created for the artificial cultivation of trepang. But in the conditions of an aquarium, holothurias do not survive, they need an influx of clean and fresh water. Therefore, they are bred in the sea.
The main consumers of trepang are China and Southeast Asia.