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Grasshoppers
, or chapulines as they are called in Mexico, are insects that belong to the Orthoptera group, as well as crickets and locusts. Usually, these animals are a nightmare for farmers, for they are famous for being hard-to-fight plagues.
However, despite this disadvantage, their benefits could be more since they have a high nutrients content. They used to be highly appraised in pre-Hispanic culture and diet, but that was lost in time.
Here, we will tell you why their consumption should come back into fashion. These are some of their health benefits .
1. They have a high content of good quality proteins
Their supply of protein is higher than meat and, contrary to it, its harmful fats content is almost non-existent. Chapulines have between 70% and 77% of protein while meat has between 50% and 57%, according to an article of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM).
Nevertheless, although it could be a good option to substitute the consumption of meat, a great amount of grasshoppers is needed to supply the same protein meat supplies with a few grams.
2. They have an antibacterial effect
According to a release of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) , chapulines have an important content of a polysaccharide called chitin , which has antibacterial properties , in accordance with a study published by the Rafael Urdaneta University in Venezuela.
3. It maintains a healthy nervous system
The same release of the IPN points out that grasshoppers supply Vitamin B1 and B12 to the diet, which helps maintain healthy digestive and nervous systems , accordingly.
4. They are easy to digest
Another of the advantages of consuming chapulines, and insects in general, is that they are easy to digest. “For instance, a grasshopper was 62.96% of total protein , of which 89.63% is digestible,” mentions a release on the properties of insects of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
5. They supply energy
Grasshoppers supply more energy even than cereals like wheat. With a little amount, you can obtain the vitality to perform your daily activities. It can be an excellent option for a mid-afternoon snack , according to the same UNAM release.
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