The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), also known as the green turtle, black (sea) turtle or Pacific green turtle, is a species of large sea turtle of the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in the genus Chelonia.^[rx] Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but it is also found in the Indian Ocean.^[rx][rx] The common name refers to the usually green fat found beneath its carapace, not to the color of its carapace, which is olive to black.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) are a genus of sea turtle comprising the species of Chelonia mydas and family Cheloniidae. It is native to tropical and subtropical oceans in the world. It is also found in the Caribbean Sea and the Mediterranean. It also ranges in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Adult Green Sea turtles grow to a length. They have a weight of 68-190 kg (150-419 lb). They are herbivorous and feed on seagrasses and algae. The young ones consume fish eggs, jellyfish, mollusks, small invertebrates, worms, algae, sponges, and crustaceans. It consists of large and paddles like flippers. It is olive, brown and black in color. It has a dorsoventrally flattened body, short neck, beaked head, and arms-like paddle which assist them in swimming. It grows up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) in length. Female turtles lay from 100 to 150 eggs at one time. The parasites known as barnacles, protozoans, leeches, nematodes, and cestodes are found in these turtles. Green turtle, Pacific green turtle, Black (sea) turtle, Common green sea turtle, Common Green Turtle, Eastern Pacific green turtle, Green sea turtle, and Green sea turtle are its common names.

Health Benefits of Green Turtle

The green turtle is the largest sea turtle which could weigh up to 500 lbs (225 kg) measuring four feet (1.2 m) long. The adult is an herbivore whose diet is seagrasses, algae, and seaweeds. It has got a sharp beak. Due to various amounts of nutrients loaded in Green turtle, it provides numerous health benefits:

1. Supports immunity

Pyridoxine is vital for repairing the immune system in the body for the performance of its functions. The deficiency of Vitamin B6 leads the body to adopt various infections that could affect the health of the body. (1)

2. Bone health

Manganese is vital for the structure of human bones. It helps to aid the mineral density of spinal bone. When women experience menopause, they experience the deficiency of manganese so they should intake the minerals to prevent fractures. The study shows that manganese helps to prevent the chances of osteoporosis and slows down the chances of its growth. (2)

3. Skin problems

Protein is essential for mechanical support and tissue strengthening which is mostly worn and tear. Collagen is the protein that is essential for the strengthening of tissues, cells as well as organs. The high content of collagen in the body provides low wrinkled and youthful skin. (3) (4)

4. Eye health

Copper is essential for melanin, dark pigment, skin, eyes, and hair coloration. Copper helps to produce melanin. The supplements of copper prevent hair from graying. It also stimulates cell integrity. It maintains eye health. (5) (6)

5. Repair cells

Phosphorus assists in the repair and maintenance of body cells that tear easily. It stimulates the cells and maintains the overall health of the body. It contributes to the formation of protein and correct hormones to react properly. (7)

6. Reactions

It is vital for the chemical reactions in the body to take place. It promotes the nutrient utilization that enters the body. (8)

7. Regulates temperature

Iron is vital to regulate the temperature of the body. It regulates bodily absorption. The stability of temperature in the body is the efficient function of metabolic and enzymes. (9)

8. Carries oxygen

Iron plays a vital role to transfer oxygen to the body cells. It is essential for the organs for the various functions. (10)

9. Gum health

Calcium makes the jawbones strong and stimulates tight and fitting teeth. One should consume a diet rich in calcium to prevent healthy gum as well as teeth. (11)

10. Kidney ailments

The crystallized deposits in the urinary tract are called kidney stones. It was thought that the high intake of calcium is the cause for the development of kidney stones. But now it is known that it is not the cause for kidney stones. The low consumption of fluid and high intake of spinach and kale causes kidney problems. (12)

How to Eat         

• The fat is used as an ingredient in making turtle soup.
• The meat is used in various cuisines.
• The meat is also added to soups.
• It is boiled, fried, grilled and poached as well.

Other Facts        

• It is regarded as the largest sea turtle.
• The green sea turtle is considered as an indication of longevity and good luck in Hawaii.
• The largest species of Green sea turtle weighs about 395 kg (871 lb) and measures 153 cm (60 in) as carapace length.
• It detects the sound from the vibration of the backbone, head, and shell.
• The female lays 100 eggs at one time.
• It cannot keep its head or other limbs on its shell.
• It is hunted for its meat, eggs, and others.

Precautions 

• The consumption of sea fish if one is trying to reduce inflammatory diseases such as heart disease.
• Farmed ones contain arsenic that leads to arsenic poisoning.
• Seafood should be cooked safely in order to prevent foodborne illness.
• Pregnant women, young children, older adults, people having lower stomach acid and compromised immune systems (HIV/AIDS, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, people taking steroids, chemotherapy, or immune system) are prone to higher risk.
• It might be contaminated with bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and other bacteria relate to land use, sewage discharges, runoff, etc. These microorganisms occur naturally in warm coastal waters which could cause even death or serious illness in individuals who are at higher risk.
• Listeria monocytogenes could cause a serious foodborne illness known as listeriosis.
• The virus Hepatitis A could survive in light cooking. So one should consume it after being properly cooked.
• Fish could have toxins that could cause illness such as ciguatoxin and scombrotoxin, or histamine poisoning.
• Sea fish is related to Scombrotoxin (histamine) which develops when fish is not kept cold enough. The symptoms develop quickly and also disappear completely within 24 hours.
• The flesh of tropical marine fishes might cause ciguatera poisoning experiencing gastrointestinal maladies that could last for several days, weakness in arms and legs, and reversal inability to differentiate between cold and hot. The symptoms could persist for weeks.
• Farmed seafood results in to increase in inflammation leading to weight gain, arthritis, and heart diseases.
• The imbalance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 causes heart disease and hypertension.
• Seafood and fish in farms have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OC), trifluralin pesticides, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) causing diseases or even death.
• The seafood has a high content of mercury, which may lead to mercury toxicity.
• Consume it in moderate amounts. So consume it with caution or Avoid consuming it raw.
• Some people might get allergic reactions. So avoid it.
• It has a high chance of contamination.
• One should limit its intake.
• Consult the doctor by pregnant women and children before consuming it. Children and pregnant women should avoid it because the high content of mercury might cause a negative impact on the development of the nervous system of a fetus.

References

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