Sea cucumber—an exotic marine delicacy popular in Asian countries—can prevent diabetes, according to a study by the University of South Australia (UniSA) in collaboration with Fiji National University and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Examining the medicinal properties of sea cucumbers, the researchers discovered that a dried version of the delicacy combined with salt extracts can suppress a compound associated with an increased risk of diabetes, thus lowering the risk of the disease.
To date, there has been no commercially available therapy to stop this compound, called Advanced Glycation End product (AGE).
Advanced Glycation End Products form when proteins and/or fats combine with sugars in the body. (Nelli Syrotynska/Shutterstock)
AGEs are created when you combine high levels of sugar with a protein or fat in the bloodstream. It is a very sticky compound that clogs up the small blood vessels of the eyes, heart, brain and kidney….