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.
Scientists have found that the Pacific Beetle Cockroach feeds its bug babies a formula which is remarkably rich in protein, fat and sugar, CNN research said.
Don’t expect to find it next to the regular milk in the dairy section, however, at least not for now.
“Any liquid harvested from a cockroach is not true milk. At least not as we think of it,” said Becky Facer, director of school and educator programs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta.
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Most people would agree. After all, the insect liquid takes the form of protein crystals in the guts of baby cockroaches
“The protein crystals are milk for the cockroach infant. It is important for its growth and development,” said Leonard Chavas, one of the scientists behind the research. He explained the crystals have a whopping three times the energy of an equivalent mass of buffalo milk, about four times the equivalent of cow’s milk.
The interest here was, what is it really made of?” said Chavas, one of the authors of the research, published in July in the journal International Union of Crystallography.
Chavas and his colleagues examined the species, also known as Diploptera punctata, which is the only species of cockroach known to be viviparous — able to bring forth live babies that have developed within the mother’s body, instead of the mother laying eggs to develop outside her body.
Like other viviparous creatures, this species of roach nourishes its growing embryos with a protein-rich liquid secreted by its brood sac — the roach version of a uterus.
Soon after the embryo ingests the liquid, protein crystals develop within its midgut. Chavas and his colleagues extracted one of these crystals to learn more about it and its potential nutrition. Following tests and even genome sequencing, they discovered it was a complete food.
“It is what one would need: protein, essential amino acids, lipids and sugars,” Chavas said, explaining that the energy content is so high that it helps infants within this unique species grow much bigger than cockroach babies of other species.
Though the crystal formation may seem surprising, other crystals, including insulin, take shape within the body for easier bodily storage — and it could have potential for human consumption, the research suggests.
According to Vanguardngr new;
Cockroach milk has gained attention for its potential nutritional benefits. Here’s what research suggests:
Nutritional Benefits:
1. High protein content: Cockroach milk contains a high amount of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
2. Rich in nutrients: It’s a good source of essential amino acids, calcium, iron, and other minerals.
3. Antibacterial properties: Cockroach milk has been found to have antibacterial peptides, which could help fight infections.
4. Potential anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest cockroach milk may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Unique Composition:
Cockroach milk is produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) and contains:
1. Crystal-like structures: Unlike regular milk, cockroach milk forms crystal-like structures that provide slow nutrient release.
2. Bioactive compounds: It contains unique bioactive compounds not found in other milk sources.
Challenges and Limitations:
1. Harvesting: Collecting cockroach milk is challenging due to the small quantity produced.
2. Safety concerns: Allergies, contamination, and ethical considerations are potential concerns.
3. Research is ongoing: More studies are needed to confirm nutritional benefits and address safety concerns.
