Insect Proteins from Mealworms Could Help with Weight Management
Mealworms could be the solution to reducing meat consumption and improving human nutrition, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The study found that replacing traditional protein sources with mealworms in high-fat diets slowed weight gain and improved immune response in mice. In addition, the insect protein reduced inflammation, increased energy metabolism, and positively influenced the ratio of good to bad cholesterol. The researchers believe that the health benefits are linked to chitin, a fibrous material found in the exoskeleton of insects, which acts like a fiber in the body.
The use of insects as food has been gaining popularity in recent years as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to meat. Mealworms, in particular, have been identified as a promising source of protein, with researchers producing a meat-flavored protein powder from the insects. The European Food Safety Authority has already deemed the powder safe for consumption. The study by the University of Illinois adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of insects as a food source, not only for their environmental benefits but also for their potential health benefits.
The researchers conducted a three-month study on mice, feeding them a high-fat diet with casein, a protein found in milk products, as the protein source. After three months, the mice were switched to a diet with protein from mealworms, replacing either 50% or 100% of the casein in their diet. While the mealworm protein did not lead to weight loss in the overweight mice, it did slow down their weight gain compared to the mice on the high-fat diet with casein. The mealworm protein also improved the mice’s blood lipid profile, reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. The researchers believe that the chitin in the mealworms played a role in these health benefits.
Overall, the study suggests that insect proteins, particularly those from mealworms, could be a valuable addition to human diets, helping with weight management and improving overall health. With the growing concern over the environmental impact of meat consumption, the use of insects as a protein source could become more widespread in the future.
