The squid ink is a fairly new addition to Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a distinctive savory taste and unique color, which makes it an interesting agent for recipe addiction. But, squid ink has many health benefits too. The squid ink is also known as cephalopod ink. It is a dark-colored ink that is produced by various cephalopod species. Usually, it is released by these water animals as a protective measure to hide from their predators. Melanin is the main component in the squid ink, which gives it its dark or blue–back color. Melanin is a pigment present in most organisms and is responsible for the eye, hair, and skin color.
Also, it has many amino acids, including arginine, leucine, alanine, and aspartic acid among others. Also, squid ink is a rich source of taurine, which can help to improve your energy levels. In some animal studies and test-tube studies is said that the squid ink is safe, but it needs to be done a lot more studies in the future to approve or disapprove this statement. The squid ink is added only to food in small quantities, so it does not pose any risk for people who are consuming it. But, people who are allergic to shellfish or seafood, in general, should be careful when using squid ink. Here are some health benefits of squid ink:
Health Benefits of Squid Ink:
Contents
Antioxidant effects
The squid ink has melanin which is known to have great antioxidant potential. Antioxidants can help in the fight against free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. At the same time, it will reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
May combat stomach ulcers
In some animal studies is said that squid ink can help to reduce stomach acid production and they can help to protect against stomach ulcers.
Chemo–protective effects
There are some animal studies done in 2009 in which are shown that squid ink can help to improve the levels of electrolytes, leukocytes, and hemoglobin in the body which can get affected by chemotherapy. Also, in this study was revealed that it can increase the bone marrow cells and antioxidant ability of the spleen among the test subjects.
May boost immunity
In one animal study was found that squid ink can help to promote the growth and development of immune cells and it can enhance the overall immunity compared with a control solution.
Increase memory and concentration
The squid ink has dopamine which can help to increase memory and concentration. These two things are necessary for children and children are suggested to consume the calamari. You should take more healthy food to even make the benefit works successfully.
Antimicrobial effects
One study done in 2014 was shown that squid ink can help in the fight against fungal infections. It has shown antimicrobial properties against various human pathogens. Also, the antimicrobial property of squid ink can help to improve the shelf life of this ink. Also, there are some possibilities of developing squid ink into a drug for antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial effects and this was said in one study in the Marine Drugs journal.
May reduce blood pressure
There are some tests – tube studies in which are shown that the squid ink has some compounds that can help the blood vessels to dilate and this can help to improve the blood pressure.
Protects the heart
Squid ink has the ability to protect the heart. This is possible because squid ink can help to reduce high blood pressure in the body, as well as cholesterol. High blood pressure can lead to cholesterol and this can lead to heart disease, such as stroke.
Improves the production of white blood cells
The squid ink has the ability to improve the production of white blood cells due to its antioxidant properties. This is a reason why squid ink can be used by people who are on chemo.
Slows aging
The squid ink has antioxidants that can slow down aging, reduce wrinkles or any other signs of aging. This is good for all women who worry about their skin.
