When most people think of the term cucumber, one thing comes to mind. And, this would be those big, green cucumbers that they see in the grocery store. This is completely understandable, but there is also another cucumber. A cucumber of the sea, perhaps. These creatures are large, slug-like creatures that are classified as echinoderms, which is the same classification as starfish and sand dollars. While these creatures are most commonly consumed in Asian cultures, they do hold a wide range of surprising benefits, including libido enhancement.
A Breakdown On The History Of The Sea Cucumber
Sea cucumbers would be rated as marine animals and they have a leathery skin with an elongated body that contains a single branched gonad. They are most commonly found on the floors of the sea and have the greatest number in Asia. A lot of these creatures are gathered by humans for consumption, while some of them are cultivated into the aquaculture systems. That aside, these creatures really serve one useful role in the marine ecosystem. And, that is that they help recycle nutrients, breaking down debris and other organic matter.
Just as their name suggests they have a soft and cylindrical body that is more or less lengthened, rounded off, and occasionally fat in the extremities. It should also be noted that they don’t have any solid appendages. Their mouths are surrounded by tentacles, which can be pulled back inside the animal. Most of these creatures can measure anywhere from 10 to 30 centimeters long.
How Do Sea Cucumbers Boost Libido
Sea cucumbers are considered a delicacy in Far East countries like Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. In these areas, they are also highly valued for their supposed medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. That being said, there is no scientific proof or evidence showing that these creatures provide aphrodisiac effects. These properties were fetched from traditional Chinese beliefs surrounding the creature’s potent effects on virility. While the creatures do have the ability to boost virility, there is no scientific back or research that they can boost libido.
Preparing Sea Cucumbers For Consumption
Sea cucumbers are consumed for a number of reasons. Mostly for their medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. When purchased they flesh of the animal will be cleaned in a process that usually takes several days. From here, the food will then be dried and re-hydrated. The food is often consumed in soups, stews, and braised dishes thanks to its gelatinous texture.