Have you ever thought that you could eat insects, or even animals like Chinese crickets? It may sound a little strange to ask. But did you know that people all over the world, especially in Asian and African countries, have been eating insects for thousands of years. In fact, today, about 2.5 billion of the world's population add insects to their diet. This is now becoming popular in Western countries as a new health trend. So today, let's talk about this new trend that many people are talking about, cricket powder, or Acheta powder.
Simply put, what is this cricket powder (Acheta Powder)?
It's exactly what the name suggests. It's made by drying and grinding crickets . Strictly speaking, it's not a type of flour. It's not like the bread flour we use to make bread, and it's very low in carbohydrates (starch). Instead, it's packed with protein and healthy fats .
The name 'Acheta' comes from the scientific name of the Chinese cricket, *Acheta domesticus*. So if you see 'Acheta flour' or 'cricket powder' somewhere, remember that they are the same thing.
How do we use this?
This is just like the other protein powders we use. You can add it to a variety of foods and drinks.
- You can add a tablespoon to the smoothie you make in the morning.
- When making cakes, buns, and brownies , you can remove a quarter of the regular flour you use and add this cricket flour instead.
- You can mix a little bit into anything, like coffee, tea, eggs, rice, soup, etc.
- If we think of it in terms of our food, we can increase the protein value by adding a little to the mixture used to make dosa, tosa, pitta, and indiappa .
It has a very subtle, malty flavour. So it goes well with many dishes. Perhaps in a few years , burgers, sausages, meatballs made from cricket flour will also be available on the market as a meat substitute.
What are the benefits of using cricket pitches?
Cricket flour is not just a protein. It has many nutritional benefits. Let's see what they are.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| A high source of protein | 70% of the body of Chinese goats is protein. It is considered a source of protein of the same quality as beef or chicken. In particular, it contains all 9 essential amino acids that our body needs but cannot produce. |
| Many valuable nutrients | Rich in minerals like Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Manganese. It has more iron and calcium than beef. It also contains B vitamins (Biotin, Riboflavin) and vitamins A and C. |
| Heart-healthy fat | It is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are very important for heart health. These help maintain good cholesterol levels in the body. |
| Beneficial for the digestive system | Chitin, a type of fiber found in crickets' exoskeleton, helps the growth of beneficial bacteria in our intestines. A study found that people who consumed cricket flour for two weeks had a decrease in a protein involved in inflammation (TNF-alpha). |
| Being environmentally friendly | Compared to producing animal protein like beef, raising Chinese goats requires far less feed, water, and land, and they also emit far less greenhouse gases into the environment. |
Simply put, cricket flour can be called an eco-friendly superfood, packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
But, aren't there no risks?
As with anything, there are a few things we need to be aware of when using cricket pitches. As extensive research is still being conducted on these, it is important to use them with some understanding.
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you are allergic to shellfish such as shrimp, crab, or lobster , there is a high chance that you will also be allergic to cricket flour. This is because the exoskeletons of both species contain the same compound called chitin. |
| Lack of proper regulation | In many countries, cricket flour is considered a 'dietary supplement' rather than a food. Therefore, the quality and safety of some products cannot be 100% guaranteed. It is sometimes difficult to tell whether the ingredients are exactly what is on the label. |
| Toxins and heavy metals | Studies on protein powders have revealed that some products may contain harmful heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Therefore, it is very important to choose a reliable, good-quality product . |
| Possibility of parasites | One study examining insect farms found that some of the farms were carrying parasites. But the good news is that most of these are killed by cooking and are not harmful to humans. This risk is similar to eating raw or undercooked meat or fish. |
So what are the things to consider before using this?
If you're interested in trying this, start with a very small amount at first. It's best to avoid it altogether, especially if you have a shellfish allergy. If you experience any unusual symptoms (e.g., skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing), it's important to stop taking it immediately.
If you have a chronic medical condition, are pregnant, or are a nursing mother, it is wise to talk to your doctor before using a new dietary supplement like this.
Price and availability
In Sri Lanka, these are not commonly found in stores. But you can order them online. But keep in mind, this is a bit expensive . More expensive than a regular protein powder.
So, if you want to try this, you can buy a small packet first and mix a little with your regular protein powder and try it out. That way, you can get the nutritional benefits at a low cost.
Take-Home Message
- Cricket powder (Acheta powder) is a dietary supplement made from crushed crickets, which is very high in protein and nutritional value .
- It contains many valuable nutrients , such as heart-healthy fats, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B.
- This is considered an environmentally friendly source of protein.
- People with shellfish allergies (shrimp, crab) are more likely to be allergic to this as well.
- Because these products are not properly regulated, it is important to choose a trusted brand and test a small amount first.
- Consult your doctor before using any new dietary supplement, especially if you have a chronic condition.
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