A few years ago, the International Union of Crystallography released a study about a newly discovered protein crystal produced by birth-giving cockroaches. Found to be highly nutritious, the milk-like substance may join eggs, legumes, and chia seeds on the protein-rich superfood list.
The Diploptera punctate species is one of the few insects that share similar traits with humans. Female beetle mimic cockroaches give birth to their young while other species lay eggs. They also provide nutrients from their bodies for their offspring in a similar manner of human breast-feeding.
It was the cockroach nutrients that caught the attention of scientists. Sanchari Banerjee, part of the research team, discovered that protein crystals are pumped out of the cockroach's body to feed its babies.
Emily Jennings from the University of Cincinnati confirmed that 'not only are they carrying their offspring, but they are prodding them with a milky secretion,' containing protein, carbohydrates, as well as other nutrients. Jennings led a research group decoding the genetic structure of the diploptera punctate leading to reproductive research. It was concluded that 'babies are greedy, and the mom wants to give them everything that she can while still maintaining her own health and fitness.'
Good Source of Protein
Banerjee's research discovered that from the time of pregnancy up until birth, 'protein content increases 600-fold.' This protein-based 'milk' contains more energy than buffalo milk, about three times more, and even contain higher calories than cow's milk.
International scientists and researchers from the Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in India knew that milking cockroaches was not feasible, they needed to figure out the structure so that reproduction of the protein crystal can be done in larger quantities.
Researchers continued to experiment with the cockroach species until they understood the sequences of multiple primary amino-acids present in the crystal structure. All the essential amino acids are present along with fats and sugars.
Joining the Superfood Family
They also figured out the best form for maximum efficiency and effectiveness of this potential superfood. 'In other words, storage of food in crystalline form not only allows a high concentration of food to be stored but also provides a mechanism for the controlled release of nutrients as they are needed,' as stated in the study.
For humans, protein is a component found in every single cell which is necessary for building and repairing tissue. The body also makes enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals in the body. As a macronutrient that isn't stored in the body like fat and carbohydrates, the human body demands large amounts of protein for bones, muscles, skin, blood, and cartilage.
Envisioning the protein as a superfood, Ramaswamy Subramanian, lead scientist of the study, is hoping that one day it could help with global food shortages as commercialized supplements. Even concepts of a space food version were created due to high calorific content, making it an ideal meal for astronauts. 'If you need food that is calorifically high, that is time-released and food that is complete. This is it,' the scientist concluded.
