Milk-crystalline cockroach milk as a future protein donor

Study: Milk crystals of cockroaches contain three times as much protein as buffalo milk
What comes to your mind when you think about future so-called superfoods? You probably think of an exotic berry from the jungle or a nutrient-rich alga from the sea. Surely one of the last things you'll think about will be the cockroach's milk. Researchers have now found that this milk contains a very high protein content and is almost immediately converted by the body into energy.

Researchers from the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Bangalore found out that cockroach milk contains a lot of protein and is rapidly metabolized by our body. Perhaps in the future, cockroach milk could help fight food shortages in some countries. The physicians published the results of their study in the medical journal "IUCrJ".

Most people already feel feelings of disgust when they see a cockroach. Surely it would be unimaginable for such people to consume milk from cockroaches. Researchers have now found out that the milk of the animals contains extremely many nutrients and proteins. (Image: Geza Farkas / fotolia.com)

The milk crystals of cockroaches contain very large amounts of food
The cockroach, called Diploptera punctata, does not lay eggs like other types of cockroaches, but gives birth to living offspring. The nutrition of the boys happens via a milky substance. These so-called milk crystals contain, among other things, protein, sugar and fat, similar to the composition of breast milk in mammals. This cockroach milk is perhaps the most nutrient-rich and highest-calorie substance on Earth, Indian scientists say.

Diploptera punctata supplies its offspring with milk crystals
The Pacific cockroach species Diploptera punctata is able to give birth to live offspring. These are then supplied with food in the uterus of the cockroaches. This is quite unusual because most insects lay eggs, say the experts. When the young are well developed and have a digestive tract, they get a milk-like liquid from the mother. This is released via glands from the maternal breast pocket. The milk contains sugar, proteins, amino acids and fats, explain the researchers.

Cockroach milk crystals could aid in muscle building and regeneration
For example, if cockroach milk is compared to buffalo milk, it is clear that cockroach milk contains three times more energy than buffalo milk, the researchers explain. The milk of buffalos is one of the most protein-infused liquids in the animal world. The fat content of milk from water buffaloes is twice as high as that of cow's milk, the Indian doctors add.

The milk crystals of the special cockroaches metabolize amazingly fast. This effect is interesting for many athletes, for example, who need a quick replenishment of proteins after their training. Proteins are needed for muscle growth and muscle recovery, say the experts. For people who do not want to use animal products, there is also the alternative of getting their proteins from legumes.

There are already some protein bars from insects in the market
It is still unclear whether cockroach milk is non-toxic to humans. But even if the milk is harmless to humans, most people will not be thrilled to learn that their foods contain the milk crystals from a cockroach, explains author Subramanian Ramaswamy of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Otherwise, there may still be the possibility that a kind of artificial cockroach milk with the same properties is produced. There are currently some protein bars that contain protein from other insects, for example.

Professional strength athletes and bodybuilders would benefit greatly from the cockroach milk
There may eventually be a chance that protein bars, powders and drinks will be produced with artificial cockroach milk, say the authors. Muscle building and workouts could be powered by the synthetic milk crystals of cockroaches. This could be particularly interesting for many strength athletes. So maybe in the future, we will see commercials for protein products from insects on TV. It would also be quite possible that some professional strength athletes have manufacturers of insect products as sponsors, the doctors add. We will see what the future holds, maybe in 20 years cockroach milk products will be normal, according to the researchers. (As)