CNN: Cockroach milk is the new protein drink and all the rage
From CNN
How about a little cockroach milk with those cookies? Chock full of protein, the insect milk may someday be transformed into a food supplement worthy of human consumption, new research indicates.
This beetle cockroach gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. A team of researchers from India, Japan, France, Canada, and the NIH here in the U.S. discovered that the mother's milk secretions are quite impressive and a "fantastic" source of nutrition, as they contain "all the essential amino acids". To quote one author of the study, which ran in the journal IUCrJ, "The crystals are like a complete food — they have proteins, fats, and sugars."
The researchers also added that they are "very stable," and the nutrients are released at a slow and steady flow, much like human milk is. It is being considered to be an "ideal protein supplement". Best of all, if you are interested in this bug milk smoothie, researchers have found a way to express the proteins and grow them with a yeast based system. They are then stored in large batches. Therefore, no bugs are harmed in the process. .
This reminds me of all the times I have seen Bear Grylls munching on a variety of bugs when he is in survival mode. Most of us have heard him explain to us how the bugs he is munching on provide him with nutrients and protein. Now we have the validation through science. I can tell you personally, I will not be seeking out this superfood. However, if just a small amount can provide a decent amount of nutrients, my guess is that there are many parts of the world that could benefit greatly from this discovery.
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