When you hear the word “superfood”, you probably think of kale, chia seeds, or even moringa.
But what if I told you there’s a new contender in the wellness world that might make you squirm? Yes, I’m talking about cockroach milk.
Wait, what? Cockroach milk?
We know it sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie or an episode of “Fear Factor”.
But before you start cringing, hear us out. Scientists are buzzing (no pun intended) about its insane nutritional value.
Cockroach milk, specifically from the species Diploptera punctate, the only cockroach species known to give birth to live young, is one of the most nutrient-dense substances on Earth.
Yes, you read that right. Cockroach milk is packed with proteins, fats, and sugars that could rival, and even surpass, some of the most nutrient-rich foods we consume today.
What is cockroach milk, exactly?
Cockroach milk isn’t your typical dairy product. It’s not something you’d pour over your cereal or add to your morning coffee. Instead, it’s a milk-like fluid secreted by female Pacific beetle cockroaches (Diploptera punctata) to feed their babies.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of the International Union of Crystallography analysed this mysterious substance. The researchers found that the milk crystallises inside the stomachs of cockroach offspring, forming nutrient-packed crystals.
These crystals are loaded with proteins, amino acids, and healthy sugars that support cell growth and repair.
Interestingly, cockroach milk contains three times the calories of buffalo milk, which, up until now, was considered the most calorie-rich milk.
Why is it being called a superfood?
The term “superfood” is often thrown around in wellness spaces, but it typically refers to foods that are exceptionally high in nutrients and low in empty calories.
Think blueberries, spinach, or quinoa. What makes cockroach milk so intriguing is that it blows many of these traditional superfoods out of the water when it comes to nutritional density.
Here’s why researchers are excited about cockroach milk:
- Protein powerhouse: Cockroach milk is rich in complete proteins, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair tissues.
- Healthy fats: It’s packed with good fats, which are essential for energy and overall health.
- Natural sugars: The sugars in cockroach milk provide sustained energy without the crash of processed sweeteners.
- Sustainability: With food insecurity and climate change on the rise, cockroach milk offers a sustainable alternative to traditional dairy farming, which has a massive environmental footprint.
Cockroach milk could potentially offer a solution. But before you start imagining it next to your Clover or Parmalat milk in the grocery aisle, it’s important to note that cockroach milk is not yet available for human consumption. Researchers are still in the early stages of studying its safety and feasibility.
Should you jump on the superfood bandwagon?
As tempting as it might be to hunt down the next big thing in health and wellness, it’s worth remembering that no single food can solve all your nutritional needs.
Superfoods like cockroach milk (yes, we’re calling it that now) are meant to complement a balanced diet, not replace wholesome, everyday foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains.
For now, it’s safe to say that cockroach milk is theoretically impressive but still far from being a practical addition to your diet.
