Long considered a staple of Chinese cuisine, sea cucumber is versatile and delicious. But according to new research, sea cucumber also offers countless health benefits. Here’s what you need to know.

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1. Heart health.

From lowering cholesterol to reducing blood pressure, sea cucumber is great for heart health.

Although more research is needed, mice studies have shown the antioxidants in sea cucumber can reduce total cholesterol levels. Sea cucumbers can also lower blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart disease.

2. Immune health.

Feeling under the weather? Sea cucumber might be able to help.

The antioxidants in sea cucumber reduce inflammation, which can help fight off chronic conditions and is even thought to improve mental health.

Triterpene glycosides, another compound found prominently in sea cucumber, have properties that can boost immunity while reducing tumor or fungal growth.

3. Cancer prevention.

The compounds found in sea cucumber don’t just boost your immunity, they’re also being studied for their potential in cancer prevention.

The same antioxidants that reduce inflammation also decrease the risk of cancer development, but the benefits don’t stop there. As it turns out, sea cucumber might actually be able to slow cancer growth once it begins.

In fact, one study showed that sea cucumber could slow the spreading of breast, prostate, and skin cancer.

> Related: Can Sea Cucumber Help Fight Cancer?

4. Weight loss.

Low in fat and high in protein, sea cucumber makes a healthy addition to any diet.

Foods that are high in protein increase satiety, keeping you full longer and making you less likely to overeat. Sea cucumbers are also loaded with nutrients and antioxidants which can help boost overall health.

So if you’re looking for a new food to add to your weekly rotation, sea cucumber has plenty of health benefits and might just be the answer.