KOMPAS.com – Squid ink is known as ink Cephalopodais a dark ink produced by squid.
This ink serves as a defense mechanism, helping animals escape from predators by obscuring their views.
Squid ink contains many compounds including melanin, enzymes, polysaccharides, catecholamines (hormones), lead, metals such as cadmium, and amino acids such as glutamic, taurine, alanine, leusin, and aspartic acid.
You can consume squid ink for seasoning, so what are the health benefits for the body? Check out the following explanation, quoted from Healthline and Livestrong.
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1. Brain health
Glutamate is one of a number of amino acids associated with improving brain health and improving memory. However, some individuals may be sensitive to glutamate, which can cause headaches and nausea.
If you are sensitive to MSG (monosodium glutamate), do a taste test first and try a little squid ink on a plate to see how it reactions to the taste.
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2. Rich in antioxidants
A study shows that squid ink has strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that have the potential to fight harmful molecules, namely free radicals.
If free radical levels become too high in the body can cause cell damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
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3. may be able to prevent cancer
Some evidence shows that squid ink has anticancer properties. The test tube study observes that squid ink can reduce the size of the tumor and the spread of cancer cells.
The nature of this anticancer seems to be related to the strong antioxidant content in squid ink.
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More specifically, this study found that the protein of squid ink and polysaccharides could suppress the growth of breast, lung and prostate cancer cells.
Although these findings are promising, there needs to be further research.
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4. Other health benefits
In addition, several studies have shown that squid ink can fight stomach pain, reduce the production of stomach acid.
Can reduce blood pressure, test tubes show that squid ink contains compounds that can help blood vessels widen, increase blood pressure.
Squid ink also increases the immune immune immunity, encourages the growth and development of immune cells, and increases overall immunity.
