Student Article
Eating Insects Is Good for Your Gut
Nutrient absorption (noun): The process by which the body takes in and utilizes nutrients from food.
Pathogen (noun): A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Inflammatory marker (noun): A substance in the body that indicates inflammation.
Chitin (noun): A fibrous substance found in the exoskeleton of insects and crustaceans.
Outside of the U.S. and Europe, insect consumption is common: they are regularly eaten by about 2 billion people as they are a nutrient-dense food source, rich in protein and fiber. But that's not all: A clinical trial conducted by Dr. Tiffany Weir at Colorado State University recently revealed that consuming insects can positively impact gut health by boosting beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation.
How do insects help our gut?
The human gut hosts trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome, which are essential for digestion and overall health. The study found that eating insects increases the population of beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium, which aids in nutrient absorption, immune system development, and protection against pathogens.
What did the scientists do?
The trial involved 20 participants who consumed muffins and milkshakes containing cricket powder for two weeks. The results indicated an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in TNF-alpha, an inflammatory marker associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The fiber chitin found in insects is believed to enhance the growth of these beneficial bacteria.
© Jason Goodyer / Our Media
Nutrient absorption (noun): The process by which the body takes in and utilizes nutrients from food.
Pathogen (noun): A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Inflammatory marker (noun): A substance in the body that indicates inflammation.
Chitin (noun): A fibrous substance found in the exoskeleton of insects and crustaceans.