Sea cucumber (trepang): useful properties and contraindications, use

Many people are familiar with trepang as sea cucumber, in China it is called Hai Shen - "sea ginseng".

It has been compared to ginseng for its medicinal properties. Because, like the famous root, it has unique properties. And in Japan they say that this delicacy is able to cure from any disease, even in neglected forms.

What is trepang

Despite the comparison with the cucumber, trepang has nothing to do with the vegetable, it is a mollusk, family echinoderms. In its resting state, it looks like a prickly and long worm. In its normal state, its length varies from 30 to 45 cm, and in the excited or frightened state, its size is reduced threefold. The color of the mollusk depends on environmental conditions and habitat. Thus, its coloration can vary from blue to brown.

Trepangi live in the cold seas - the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea and East China. Particularly popular in the Far East, Japan and China.

Actually, like any sea animal, it is characterized by a high content of micro- and macroelements, which are similar to those present in the human body. Nevertheless, in detailed studies, scientists found that the content of copper, iron and iodine in trepang is hundreds of times higher than in fish and other marine animals.

Introduction of trepang to the diet helps strengthen the immune system and cure various ailments, and extracts and tinctures from it are taken as cancer prevention.

What is the difference between trepang and cucumaria

Cucumaria is the closest relative of trepang. In appearance, chemical composition and taste of the cooked dish it is quite similar to trepang, and therefore the average person, even when cooked, can easily confuse them. But cucumaria is larger than trepang. It can be up to 60 cm long and weighs up to 1 kg.

Which is healthier

Despite the fact that the benefits of eating mollusks are almost the same, trepangs have more zinc and copper, while cucumaria is rich in glycosides, which are almost absent in the first. Also sea ginseng is rich in eleutherococcus, which is one of the strongest antiviral agents, while cucumaria lacks it.

And despite the similarity of the composition, in Japan and China trepan is preferred. This is due, first of all, to the fact that cucumarine lives deeper and, more often, on the muddy bottom, so its smell and taste are sharper. And secondly, the meat of trepang is much more tender.

Composition and calories

Sea cucumber, like many shellfish, is a dietary product. There are 7.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, 0.6 grams of fat, and no carbohydrates at all. The energy value is only 32 kcal.

At the same time, cuttlefish is incredibly useful and rich in amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements. Thus, they are rich in vitamin B complex, as well as E, C, H.

1. B12 helps normalize metabolism and strengthens the nervous system.
2. Beauty vitamin B2, slows the aging of skin and hair and increases the production of collagen. It is also responsible for vision and healthy retina.
3. Nicotinic acid - B3, the lack of which leads to increased cholesterol, decreased hemoglobin and blood thickening.
4. B6 is necessary for constant mental activity, improves memory and mood.
5. Vitamin E promotes skin regeneration and healing wounds, promotes the production of collagen, which rejuvenates the skin.
6. Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system and also regulates the synthesis of hormones.
7. Vitamin H, or biotin, is important for people with diabetes. It regulates the production of insulin in the blood. Sufficient quantities of biotin in the body have a positive effect on our skin, mood and energy level, and we reach our maximum physical and mental activity.
8. Unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-9, omega-6, omega-3, which are not produced by the human body, stimulate the production of protective substances for the immune system. They are also anti-allergic and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
9. A high content of phospholipids prevents the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, stroke and other diseases related to the work of the brain. And also, if sufficiently contained, phosphatides cleanse the liver and help it regenerate as quickly as possible.

Also the clam meat contains a lot of iron, phosphorus, fluorine, copper, iodine and calcium, which is superior to other sea creatures.

How sea cucumber is useful

General benefits

Interestingly, in Japan, trepang, thanks to its medicinal properties, enjoys wide popularity for more than 5 centuries.

1. Trepang meat is included in the diet in diseases of the thyroid gland. Due to its high iodine content, sea cucumber can be called indispensable for the restoration and normalization of the endocrine system. Iodine reduces fatigue during prolonged mental activity, has a good effect on attention and memory. Also, iodine-containing products help with swelling, and adjust the function of the genitourinary system.
2. Clam is also recommended in the presence of iron deficiency anemia and, in general, in iron deficiency. And all thanks to the fact that ferrum of marine fish and shellfish is most easily and quickly absorbed by the human body, due to the similarity of the chemical composition, in general.
3. Trepang meat is rich in protein, which makes it indispensable for the rapid gain and recovery of muscle mass. By the way, in 100 grams of clam content of protein is 3 times higher than in beef and 4 times higher than in saltwater fish.
4. Magnesium is essential for heavy physical and mental activity. And it is also shown to people who spend a long time sitting in one place.

In addition, trepan, thanks to a wide range of vitamins and elements, helps to heal from:

• gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis);
• diabetes mellitus;
• kidney disease;
• arthritis, arthritis, gout and other joint problems;
• Gynecological disorders, as well as uterine bleeding;
• Tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

And, of course, it is indispensable as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. And it can be used both internally and externally as an extract, which you can make at home.

Trepang meat - a unique product, in some ways even indispensable. It is so rich in all necessary to promote health and maintain vital functions of humans with trace elements, vitamins and amino acids, that it is even recommended for serious illnesses. In the East, men and women who know a lot about shellfish use it as part of their daily diet, which prevents or fights disease.

Only 100 grams of trepang a day, whether it is tinctured or cooked meat, can fully supply the body with calcium, iron and vitamins B, C and H.

For men

The use of meat of trepang:

• Helps with potency problems;
• Fights genitourinary infections, especially those caused by chlamydia;
• relieves pain during urination;
• increases libido;
• improves the condition of the sperm;
• promotes muscle recovery and muscle mass accumulation;
• promotes histamine blockade;
• reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

For women

When consuming trepang meat:

1. The risk of reproductive organ diseases is reduced.
2. In the shortest time there is a healing process of erosions.
3. Improves sexual function.
4. Increases the chances of getting pregnant.
5. It becomes easier to carry a child.
6. Soreness decreases during critical days.
7. Inflammations and skin problems go away.
8. Risk of thrush recurrence is reduced.
9. Stretch marks and cellulite are prevented.
10. Improves skin tone.
11. Metabolism is normalized.
12. Growth and strengthening of the hair is accelerated.

Pregnancy

It is important to remember that during pregnancy it is allowed to eat only meat dishes and extracts of trepang. Alcohol and honey infusions are strictly forbidden. When introducing sea cucumber in the diet, the pregnant woman:

1. The process of carrying a fetus is facilitated.
2. Muscles, including those of the abdominal and hip, are strengthened.
3. Hematopoiesis is normalized.
4. Reduces the risk of abortion.
5. Occurs intrauterine saturation of useful substances to the child.
6. Bones, teeth and hair are strengthened.
7. Reduces the risk of pigmentation.
8. Hormone synthesis is regulated, thanks to which mood swings and fatigue go away.
9. The skin becomes firmer and there is less chance of stretch marks.

Breast-feeding

During the period of feeding, experimenting with dishes from clam is not welcome, as well as tinctures. But doctors recommend boiled trepang meat when breastfeeding in order to:

1. Strengthen the immune system after childbirth.
2. Enrich your baby with beneficial minerals and substances.
3. Reduce the likelihood of illness in the first days of the baby.
4. Restore missing muscle mass.
5. To provoke the production of collagen, necessary for a quick return of the skin to normal.
6. Achieve rapid weight loss.

For children

Trepang is not recommended for children under 7 years due to the high content of protein, a high concentration of which can lead to nervous excitability, liver and kidney disorders and metabolic disorders.

In children over 7 years, thanks to the inclusion in the diet of meat trepang:

• mental performance improves;
• improves concentration;
• reduced absent-mindedness;
• strengthens the immune system;
• memory and attention span are improved;
• strengthens bones.

When losing weight.

During dieting and regimens, there is most often a dramatic decrease in protein, calcium iodine and magnesium, which are responsible for mental and physical well-being. After all, most often a sharp rejection of favorite foods and leads to nervous breakdowns, constant fatigue and lack of energy, in general.

And in this situation sea foods come to the rescue. The high content of all the necessary substances and minerals for humans can restore all the missing in the period of dieting. And with the fact that trepangs have no calories at all, they have no carbohydrates and a minimum amount of fat, they are the perfect ally in the battle for a beautiful figure. By introducing sea cucumber into your diet, it will be easy to maintain a strict regimen, you will not feel tired, loss of strength and energy, and the result will not make you wait.

The only thing to remember is that during this period cucumber should be consumed only in boiled form. With a minimum addition of salt and spices. It is best to add boiled clams in salads. So the benefits of it will only increase.

Also, you must not forget to drink more water so that the body cleared of toxins as soon as possible.

Useful properties of trepang with honey

Benefits

Combining honey and trepang for medicinal purposes was invented back in the XVII century in China. The benefits of the two incredibly useful products, of course, also becomes double. In Japan and China, this potion is still considered a counterpart to pharmacy drugs. The infusion is approved for use by both children and adults.

What are the useful properties of sea cucumber on honey?

1. It helps to fight excess weight, saturating the body with necessary elements and protein. It is much easier to follow the diet and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns.
2. The metabolism is normalized, toxins, detergents and harmful substances are removed from the body.
3. Accelerates the process of gaining and restoring muscle mass.
4. Improves skin and hair.
5. Has protective properties against cardiovascular diseases.
6. Effective against fungal diseases and herpes virus.
7. It is effective against neoplasms, as prevention of cancer and during treatment in its early stages.
8. It makes the skin elastic, supple and improves its condition in general.
9. Indispensable for low immunity.
10. Helps remove sand and kidney stones, helps with genitourinary diseases.
11. Stabilizes blood sugar levels.
12. Improves vision and the state of the organs of vision.
13. Has antipyretic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
14. Accelerates cell regeneration and wound healing.

How to cook

There are 2 ways to prepare sea cucumber on honey. In one of them, the holothuria is infused with vodka, in the other - without. The benefits of both are the same, but connoisseurs say that alcohol draws the most useful properties from the mollusk and enhances their interaction with honey. Nevertheless, not everyone can consume it.

There is nothing supernatural about the process. The only thing is that it is quite difficult to find a live clam or an extract from it. Therefore, it will be enough to buy dried. It can be found in some specialized pharmacies. At the same time, it can be soaked for a day so that it takes shape again, or it can be cut in dried form.

Preparation methods
To prepare an infusion without alcohol, you need 100 grams of mollusk pour 250 ml of honey. The infusion should be made in a glass, tightly closed container, as plastic will give the smell, and in an iron container honey will oxidize, which will lead to a violation of the process. Stir gently and put in a dark, cool place for 7-10 days. It is important that during this time the jar is not exposed to direct sunlight.

To prepare an alcoholic tincture of trepang on honey you will need 100 grams of sea cucumber, 200 ml of vodka and 250 ml of honey. Put the dish in a dark place for 18-21 days. Every two days the potion should be shaken. After 3 weeks, the product is ready to use.

How to take

Honey trepang tincture without alcohol should be taken as follows:

1. Adults weighing up to 70 kg - on an empty stomach in the morning 1 hour before a meal and in the evening before going to bed 1 tablespoon.
2. Adults over 70 kg - 2 times a day for 2 tablespoons.
3. Children from 7 years - 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach. Children under 7 years of age to give the tincture is not recommended.

Alcoholic tincture of trepang should be taken as follows:

1. Adults - 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach and 1 teaspoon before going to bed.
2. Children over 14 years - 1 teaspoon before going to bed. Under 14 years of age, alcoholic tincture of sea cucumber on honey is prohibited.

For the prevention of infusions should be used for 3 weeks, after which a break of 1 month and then repeat the course. For the treatment of diseases - a course of 1 month with a break - 1 week.

How to store trepang with honey

In order for the potion to be preserved for a long time, you need to endure 3 rules after the clam tincture has been uncorked.

1. The infusion should be taken only with a clean spoon. If saliva or other foreign substances come in, chemical processes occur that reduce the usefulness of the product.
2. The lid should always be tightly closed. Ware with trepang on honey should be stored in a cold, dark place. The maximum temperature is +12°C.
3. When exposed to sunlight, the useful properties of honey and clam disappear.

If the storage conditions have been maintained, the sea cucumber potion can be stored for up to 1 year. After the dishes have been opened, trepang on honey should be consumed within 7-10 days. Therefore, it is most convenient to pour it into several small jars with the expectation of taking it for a maximum of 10 days.

Possible side effects of trepang on honey

Adverse reactions to the honey infusion of sea cucumber can be only if there is a personal intolerance to a particular component. And as trepang does not cause allergic reactions, but only contraindicated for people with protein intolerance. And also may appear due to exceeding the daily dose.

If previously such reactions have not been noticed, then at the first symptoms should stop taking the infusion. The most common manifested side effects include:

• Rashes, redness and itching of the skin;
• A sharp decrease in blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• fainting spells;
• tremors in the extremities;
• nausea;
• pain in the kidneys.

And, despite all the healing properties of this tincture, in the presence of serious and chronic diseases, it is necessary to coordinate the reception of the tincture with your doctor.

Also, the tincture should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. It can harm the baby and provoke in him an allergic reaction up to the Quincke's edema.

Trepang in medicine

Sea cucumber, thanks to its healing properties, is often recommended in the addition to the diet of traditional medicine. And it is shown even for those diseases in which many products are strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, if there are any diseases, before starting the introduction of mollusk in the diet in any form, it is necessary to consult with the attending physician.

In case of diabetes mellitus.

The composition of sea cucumber includes fructose and glucose, thanks to which insulin is not produced, thanks to which the blood sugar stabilizes. And also, if you introduce trepang meat in the regular diet, blood pressure comes to normal and hemoglobin decreases.

Another important positive factor in the use of sea ginseng in diabetes is that the chromium in the composition regulates the production of hormones that prevent the deposition of fat and contribute to their rapid removal from the body.

In pancreatitis

Boiled meat of trepang and extract from it effectively relieve pain syndrome in pancreatitis, as well as normalize the work of the pancreas in the future. All this is achieved thanks to vitamins A and B6, which are rich in mollusk. In severe and severe pain, meat should be included in small doses, but eat it daily.

In gastritis.

Gastritis most often develops from a lack of vitamins B, C and H. And in 100 grams of sea cucumber contains the daily norm of these vitamins. Thanks to them the work of the stomach is stabilized and the prevention of ulcers occurs. Also the meat of the trepang relieves pain and inflammation of the walls of the stomach.

In colitis

The folic acid, vitamins A, C and riboflavin, which the meat of trepang is rich in, can not only help with colitis, but also to prevent microcracks, ulcers and inflammation of the intestines. Just boiled meat will simplify the process of defecation, promotes rapid healing of wounds in the walls of the intestine and the removal of toxins.

With gout

Trepang meat has a unique property for people suffering from gout - it is able to remove acid from the tissues of the joints, because of which they feel constant pain. And also excrete toxins and harmful substances after taking constant medication. In addition, the clam is a natural analgesic, thus achieving a pain-relieving effect.

Trepang use in cosmetology

Interestingly, in China already in the 17th century sea cucumber began to be used not only for food, but also for cosmetic purposes. Now you can find a lot of creams and fluids for face and body skin, containing an extract from trepang. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know if this additive is natural in the store creams, so in Eastern countries homemade cosmetics are often sold in the markets.

The benefits of the extract are undeniable. Thanks to the high content of carotenoids, vitamin E, amino acids and ceramides necessary to maintain a youthful and healthy skin, the effect is achieved quickly and is not temporary.

Sea cucumber-based creams rejuvenate the face, fight fine wrinkles, infuse important elements and detoxify. And, for example, if the alcoholic tincture of trepang in honey to rub into the scalp, the hair will become stronger, and their growth will be significantly accelerated.

In addition to the creams, you can also make facial masks. The most famous is honey and trepang. To do this, grind 10 grams of dried trepang and 2 tablespoons of candied honey, mixed thoroughly, apply to the skin. Keep the mask for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse it off by massaging. Thus, not only the tightening effect is achieved, but also evens out the skin color, gently exfoliates dead cells and tightens pores. Of course, we should not forget about individual intolerance.

Harms and contraindications

Like any product, sea creatures, despite all the benefits, are not recommended for use in some cases. These include:

• Individual intolerance to protein and vitamins B, C, A, H;
• Children under the age of 7 years;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• increased libido;
• The presence of hyperfunction of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
• Type 1 diabetes;
• stomach ulcer;
• allergies.

It also applies to cancer patients, you should follow the doctor's recommendations and with caution introduce trepang into the diet, otherwise the situation may worsen.

How to cook trepang at home

The only difficulty in cooking sea cucumber is that it is not easy to find. More precisely, it is impossible to find it in fresh form, except in the coasts where it lives. In this case, frozen and dried clam meat comes to the rescue. Fortunately, all the useful qualities and properties remain in them in this state, and do not lose them during cooking.

Frozen carcasses should be thawed in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Then be sure to scald them with boiling water. Most often they are frozen already gutted, so after preparation they are ready for cooking.

With dried ones, the preparation process is a little more complicated. First, they must be washed of charcoal, which is used to sprinkle the meat of trepangs for long-term storage in a dried form. After that, the carcasses should be put in warm water for 24 hours. After that time, they will increase in size by 5 times. Then they need to be gutted by making a longitudinal incision on the abdomen.

The further cooking technique is the same for all states. First, the meat should be washed and boiled for 30 minutes in plain water without spices and salt. Then drain the water, and continue to cook for another 2-2.5 hours in salted water with the addition of black pepper. Remove the skin after boiling, so it comes off easily without damaging the meat.

After that, the holothuria can be added to salads, fried in batter, or stewed with vegetables. Most often you can find trepang as a sauce with onions and red peppers, which is served with pasta or consumed as a separate dish. The sea cucumber can be stewed for up to 1 hour, so you can achieve its greatest softness.

How to eat sea cucumber

Sea cucumber can most often be found frozen, dried or canned. Raw or dried without processing it is strictly forbidden to eat it. Moreover, it is necessary to cook it for a long time. In total, at least 3-4 hours. Otherwise, the meat will be rubbery and completely inedible.

Trepang meat is added to hot dishes, sauces, salads, or consumed as a separate dish.

Interesting facts about sea cucumber

1. Trepang is the cleanest inhabitant of the Earth. During studies, it was found that its body does not take root germs and viruses.
2. The cleanest water is in the habitat of the sea cucumber. This happens because they produce enzymes that clean the water from bacteria.
3. Trepangs can fully regenerate within 2 months.
4. If the trepang is divided into 3 parts, each will regenerate as a new individual.
5. When the meat of the sea ginseng is constantly consumed in the diet, humans show the ability in the form of rapid healing of wounds.
6. Trepang is the only sea creature that contains more than 40 micronutrients, which are in the chemical composition of the human body.
7. Sea cucumber can not only change its body shape and shrink 5-6 times, but also turn from a solid state into jelly.
8. Trepang extract is the best for combating skin aging.
9. Sea cucumber meat and tinctures are recommended for people who work at nuclear power plants, as it is able to remove up to 90% of radionuclides from the body.
10. It has the property of stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Trepang photo