Scientists have suggested that the chitin in the insects' protein acts like fiber, stimulating beneficial microbial activity in the gut.
Scientists have found out that the protein contained in mealworms slows down weight gain. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Illinois, writes The Journal of Nutrition.
In their work, they voiced the results of a study conducted on mice. The rodents were put on a diet high in fat and casein. After 12 weeks, they were switched to alternative proteins. When they were injected with insect protein, they did not start to lose weight, but their rate of weight gain slowed.
The other group was on a lean diet with casein throughout the experiment and by the time they were fed mealworms, they were all obese.
According to scientists, such an effect of insect protein is explained by the fact that it improves immunity, speeds up metabolism and favorably affects the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Earlier, VolgGTU scientists created dressing materials from the shells of insects and crustaceans.