Doctors are using insects to assist with digestion and weight loss because of the high dietary fiber content they possess. Chitin, a type of fiber found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, as well as in mushrooms and fungi, has been found to improve digestion, reduce body fat, and promote weight loss in studies using mice.
Fiber-rich foods are known to have various health benefits, including improved digestion, healthy weight maintenance, and easier movement of waste through the body. While many people are aware of fiber sources like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, lesser-known sources such as insect exoskeletons and mushrooms also provide a significant amount of fiber in the form of chitin.
Chitin is a natural biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and the cell walls of mushrooms and fungi. It acts similarly to the protein keratin found in human nails and contributes to the hard outer shells of insects and crustaceans.
Chitin, in the form of chitosan, is often used as a food additive and in supplements. It is an insoluble fiber that aids digestion by facilitating the movement of materials through the gastrointestinal system.
In addition to aiding digestion, chitin has other benefits, including acting as a prebiotic in the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, preventing constipation, promoting weight loss, and offering skin protection.
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis studied the immune response to chitin digestion using a mouse model. They found that mice consuming chitin experienced immune system activation, leading to increased production of chitinases, enzymes that break down chitin. Mice that could not produce chitinases gained less weight, had lower body fat, and resisted obesity compared to other mice.
While the study was conducted on mice, it is important to note that incorporating a variety of fiber-rich foods into the human diet, including those containing insoluble fiber like mushrooms, fruits, and vegetables, is beneficial for overall health.
Furthermore, a systematic review of human studies indicates that insect proteins are as beneficial as other protein sources, providing essential amino acids and other health advantages. Insects are considered a sustainable and nutritious food source, requiring fewer resources for survival and emitting lower levels of greenhouse gases compared to traditional animal protein sources.
Edible insects, such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets, are consumed in many countries and offer medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, antimicrobial, and gastrointestinal protection effects.
The review analyzed randomized controlled trials and allergenicity assessment studies on insect consumption's impact on human health. The findings showed that insect-based products had no significant impact on appetite regulation, and they induced amino acid levels and lower insulin levels compared to other animal proteins.
While more research is needed to fully understand the safety and benefits of incorporating insects into human diets, current evidence suggests that insect proteins are a valuable nutritional source with numerous health benefits.
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