2023-07-31 10:21:48
Previous research on sea cucumbers has found that they thin blood, lower blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. Now, researchers at the University of South Australia have explored the link between active ingredients in sea cucumbers and protection against type 2 diabetes.
Sea Cucumber (Pixabay)
When proteins and/or fats combine with sugar in the blood in a process called glycation, they produce harmful advanced glycation end products (AGEs). High levels of AGEs have been linked to heart disease, kidney failure and Alzheimer’s disease. People with diabetes are at higher risk of producing too many AGEs, which accumulate in the body.
“We know that accumulation of AGEs is associated with complications of type 2 diabetes, so strategies to prevent this may reduce the risk of developing diabetic complications,” said Permal Deo, corresponding author of the study. “Sea cucumbers are known to have a range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so we wanted to explore their bioactive compounds as AGE inhibitors.”
The researchers took a species of sea cucumber, boiled them and processed them in different ways: sun-dried without salt, sun-dried with salt, and sun-smoked. Each preparation was prepared as a powder, and collagen was extracted from sea cucumber and added to each preparation.
They found that collagen in sun-dried, salted sea cucumbers had the strongest inhibitory effect on AGEs, suggesting that the way sea cucumbers are prepared is critical to unlocking their medicinal properties.
“We found that processed dried sea cucumbers containing salt extracts and collagen can significantly inhibit AGEs by reducing a series of sugar-related metabolites in the body and reducing the risk of diabetes,” Deo said.
According to Diabetes Australia, up to 58 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and eating a healthy diet.
Sea cucumber may be a promising source of natural antioxidants and antiglycation agents as a way to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes (photoAC)
Sea cucumbers may be a promising source of natural antioxidants and anti-glycation agents that could be used as a way to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, researchers say.
“These results provide solid evidence that sea cucumbers can be developed as functional foods to help combat diabetes and the onset of diabetic complications,” Deo said.
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