If you're anything like me, growing up, the last thing you wanted to see in your home or around you was cockroaches. They were (and still are in my opinion), some of the most dirtiest insects around. Even when I think of them now, my skin gets all tingly, not in a good way.
But health professionals now are saying that cockroaches may have some benefit. Specifically milk from cockroaches. That's right, cockroach milk.
Cockroach milk is comprised of the nutrient-rich milk crystals found inside a specific kind of cockroach, the Pacific Beetle cockroach to be exact. This species uses said protein crystals as food for cockroach infants, but new research suggests that it could be beneficial to humans, too, as it's one of the most nourishing and highly caloric substances on the planet!
It boasts four times as much protein as cow's milk, but also contains essential amino acids that promote cell growth, lipids that keep our bodies healthy, and sugars that fuel energy.
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The original research study, published in the Journal of the International Union of Crystallography in 2016, found that cockroach milk contains three times more calories than the equivalent mass of buffalo milk, which currently holds the prize for the most calorie-rich milk from a mammal.
The insect milk may also have additional beauty benefits.
"The levels of growth hormone in this particular liquid are unknown, and there is evidence that shows that growth hormones may exacerbate acne in certain individuals," Rachel Nazarian, M.D. at Schweiger Dermatology Group explains. "The high levels of sugar may also make it a poor choice in terms of skin health and beauty, as we know that high-sugar diets actually accelerate skin aging."
"Protein and fat are vital components of good hair and nails, and this particular liquid may make getting optimal levels of both things much easier," Dr. Nazarian adds.
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Still think that this just may be a fad? Think again.
A number of companies are already using insects in other food products and finding favorable reviews. A large grocery-store chain in Canada recently began selling its own brand of cricket-based protein powder, and previously tested the paleo-friendly Exo protein bar made with cricket flour.
Another company in South Africa, Gourmet Grubb, introduced ice cream produced with "entomilk," a milk alternative made from...
... insects. “Think of entomilk as a sustainable, nature-friendly, nutritious, lactose-free, delicious, guilt-free dairy alternative of the future,” the company's website states.
Instead of being pests, these once deploarable creatures may be showing up more on your grocery store shelves in your kitchen cabinets (but in a good way this time).
