If reading the headline itself disgusted you, you’re not alone.
But there’s still a possibility that in the future, you might be saying this with an indifferent expression in a restaurant: “One cup of cockroach milk, please.”
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(P.S. That’s not cockroach’s milk but our Instagram account, which I think is a tad more nutritious than other Instagram accounts #justsaying)
And I’m not kidding. It might not be the most Instagram-worthy beverage, but the nutrients in it would kick the butt of our usual cow’s milk.
In a study published in International Union of Crystallography Journal, it is revealed that a certain species of man’s worst enemy, the cockroach, produces milk that is four times more nutritious than cow’s milk.
The study, conducted by researchers from Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in India, found a protein crystal that has more energy than cow’s milk, comprising key elements like proteins, fats and sugars. In fact, it could be considered a complete food.
The species, Pacific Beetle Cockroach, is found in Asia and America. Instead of laying eggs, it reproduces by giving birth to offspring, and is a prime species used for research. The female cockroach will organically produce the protein crystal to feed the embryos in the blood sac.
Scientists are optimistic about the potential of the milk—not only does it supplement the demand for cow’s milk all over the world, it could be used as a complete substitute. The goal is to replicate the protein crystal, so that synthetic milk that comprises the same nutrients could be developed.
Would it still be called cockroach milk if it’s made artificially? I’m sure branding consultants would be eager to give it a fancier name, because calling it “cockroach milk” would be a PR disaster.
Bugs as a Substitute for Food
Shocking as it may sound, it’s not just cockroach milk that’s more nutritious than our conventional meal. A bug packs more nutrients than the chicken breast you’ve been having daily, too.
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According to a study by Oxford University, researchers found that based on the weight of the food (e.g. 100g of crickets vs 100g of chicken), bugs apparently packed more “protein, energy, calcium and vitamins”.
In other words, they’re, for the lack of a better word, “healthier” than your conventional meats.
It’s All in the Visuals
Bugs are found easily, can be breed quickly and are relatively cheaper – and with them apparently being more nutritious, it’s actually a perfect substitute for our current food should they be accepted.
But anyways, with technology advancing so fast, and globalization putting all talents together with a click of a mouse, I won’t be surprised that two years later, I’ll be downing a cup of cockroach milk (or whatever it’s called) every morning. And maybe have a few crickets for the extra calories and protein.
Yummy much?
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Here’s what NCMPs are, and what to expect after GE2025:
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