When Americans or Europeans visit Asian countries, they suffer a cultural shock when they see entire stands filled with deep-fried cockroaches. If the crunchy treats sound disgusting, then you might not digest the new best thing in power food: cockroach milk.
- Cockroach milk is actually the midgut section of the insect.
- There is only one species capable of producing the substance.
- The crystals contain fats, sugar, and proteins being a complete food.
- The cockroach milk contains all of the essential amino acids.
- The researchers believe that even though the nutritious value of the crystals is high, people might be hesitant in ingesting them.
A new paper published in the International Union of Crystallography magazine determined that cockroach milk is four times more nutritious than cow’s milk.
The researchers from the Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology from India discovered that the milk produced by certain cockroach species contain protein crystals four times higher than those present in cow milk.
The so-called cockroach milk is, in fact, the white midgut that comes pouring out of the insect when it’s squished, or ripped.
According to the study, only the Pacific Beetle Cockroaches (Diplotera punctate) are able to produce the high-protein milk. They use it as a source of nourishment for their newborns.
The lead researcher in the case, Subramanian Ramaswamy, explained that the substance is a “time-released food.” This translates into the fact that the food is able to sustain the body as a complete food delivered on time.
Ramaswamy and her team also discovered that when the milk protein is digested, the crystals release even more nutritious substances. This leads to a continuous digestion loop, protein levels being released at a steady rate.
Researchers believe that cockroach milk is the source of calories and nutrients recommended for individuals who desire to lose weight.
For the moment the scientists are still looking into the matter, but there might be a possibility of the substance being transformed into daily supplements or adjuvants in diets.
What is your opinion on the nutritious value of cockroach milk? Would you ingest capsules containing the crystals if given the opportunity?
We value your opinion so let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Image source: Public Domain Pictures
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