Researchers from the University of South Australia have found promising evidence that sea cucumbers, a popular delicacy across Asia, can play a role in preventing diabetes.
The study explored the medicinal properties of sea cucumbers, specifically Holothuria scabra.
How Does it Work?
The study revealed that processed dried sea cucumber with salt extracts can hinder the formation of a compound known as Advanced Glycation End product (AGE).
The presence of AGEs, which form when proteins and/or fats mix with sugars in the bloodstream, is linked to an elevated risk of various complications of diabetes including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, kidney disease, and even cancer.
There are no current commercial therapeutics available that can inhibit AGE formation, making this finding quite significant.
Expert Insights
Dr. Permal Deo, the lead researcher from UniSA, highlighted the importance of understanding how bioactive compounds in sea cucumbers can impede AGEs.
“The accumulation of AGEs is associated with complications of type 2 diabetes, and therefore, strategies to halt this could diminish the risk of diabetic complications,” states Dr. Deo.
He further emphasized the potential of biologically active compounds found in medicinal plants and foods as possible therapeutic agents against diabetic complications.
Given the known therapeutic properties of sea cucumbers, including their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the team was keen to uncover their bioactive compounds as AGE inhibitors.
Their findings were positive; dried sea cucumber extracts significantly lowered several sugar-related metabolites in the body, reducing diabetes risk.
A Growing Concern
With diabetes becoming increasingly prevalent globally – approximately 422 million people are affected, with 1.5 million deaths directly tied to the disease annually – the need for effective preventative strategies is urgent.
In Australia alone, almost 1.3 million individuals suffer from type 2 diabetes. Yet, it’s worth noting that about 60% of all type 2 diabetes cases could potentially be delayed or entirely prevented through modifications in diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion
This study offers hope. The results strongly suggest that sea cucumbers could be instrumental in the development of functional food products designed to combat the onset of diabetes and associated complications.
As the world grapples with rising diabetes rates, such research paves the way for innovative, natural solutions to a growing health crisis.
If you care about diabetes, please read about bone drugs that could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please that green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes, and the widely used diabetes drug metformin may reduce cognitive decline.
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