What specific chemical components distinguish the composition of sea cucumbers sharply from land-based counterparts?
Answer
Mucopolysaccharides and saponins.
The nutritional distinction between a sea cucumber and a garden cucumber is defined by vastly different chemical profiles. Sea cucumbers, the marine echinoderms, possess complex substances such as mucopolysaccharides and saponins, which are rich components driving their unique health claims, often related to anti-inflammatory and potential anti-tumor activities. Garden cucumbers are defined by water content, B vitamins, and Vitamin K. The unique bioactive compounds of the sea cucumber, alongside minerals like selenium, place them in a completely separate dietary niche from their vegetable namesakes.
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