Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Scientists Say Cockroach Milk More Nutritious Than Cow Milk

The word "superfood" often brings to mind familiar items like berries, nuts, and leafy greens — nutrient-dense staples celebrated in fitness and wellness communities. But now, researchers are turning their attention to a far more unconventional candidate: cockroach milk.

Yes, you read that right. According to emerging studies, a milk-like fluid produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) could be up to three times more nutritious than cow’s milk. This surprising discovery has generated interest among nutritionists due to the milk’s dense nutritional profile — rich in proteins, fats, and sugars — potentially making it one of the most nutrient-packed substances on Earth.

In fact, a 2016 study published in the Journal of the International Union of Crystallography examined how this unique fluid is secreted by female cockroaches to nourish their young. The researchers found that the yellowish substance crystallises in the stomachs of cockroach offspring after feeding and is packed with calories — three times more than buffalo milk, which was previously considered the most calorie-rich mammalian milk.

 The same study revealed that cockroach milk is loaded with essential amino acids and healthy sugars, both of which are vital for cellular growth and tissue repair. Experts believe these properties could position it as a valuable addition to future food innovations, particularly in the search for sustainable and efficient nutrition sources.

However, despite the hype, cockroach milk is still far from hitting supermarket shelves. As reported by The Independent, one of the main barriers is large-scale production. Harvesting milk from insects is no easy feat, and researchers are still working to overcome logistical and ethical challenges.

 It’s also important to keep this discovery in perspective. Like all so-called superfoods, cockroach milk should be seen as a potential supplement to a balanced and varied diet — not a substitute for traditional, healthy eating practices.

 Though still in its early stages of research, cockroach milk has certainly opened a fascinating new chapter in the conversation about sustainable nutrition. Whether it will one day find its way into our diets remains to be seen — but for now, it’s an intriguing reminder that the next big health breakthrough might come from the most unexpected places.

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The word "superfood" often brings to mind familiar items like berries, nuts, and leafy greens — nutrient-dense staples celebrated in fitness and wellness communities. But now, researchers are turning their attention to a far more unconventional candidate: cockroach milk. Yes, you read that right. According to emerging studies, a milk-like fluid produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) could be up to three times more nutritious than cow’s milk. This surprising discovery has generated interest among nutritionists due to the milk’s dense nutritional profile — rich in proteins, fats, and sugars — potentially making it one of the most nutrient-packed substances on Earth. In fact, a 2016 study published in the Journal of the International Union of Crystallography examined how this unique fluid is secreted by female cockroaches to nourish their young. The researchers found that the yellowish substance crystallises in the stomachs of cockroach offspring after feeding and is packed with calories — three times more than buffalo milk, which was previously considered the most calorie-rich mammalian milk. The same study revealed that cockroach milk is loaded with essential amino acids and healthy sugars, both of which are vital for cellular growth and tissue repair. Experts believe these properties could position it as a valuable addition to future food innovations, particularly in the search for sustainable and efficient nutrition sources. However, despite the hype, cockroach milk is still far from hitting supermarket shelves. As reported by The Independent, one of the main barriers is large-scale production. Harvesting milk from insects is no easy feat, and researchers are still working to overcome logistical and ethical challenges. It’s also important to keep this discovery in perspective. Like all so-called superfoods, cockroach milk should be seen as a potential supplement to a balanced and varied diet — not a substitute for traditional, healthy eating practices. Though still in its early stages of research, cockroach milk has certainly opened a fascinating new chapter in the conversation about sustainable nutrition. Whether it will one day find its way into our diets remains to be seen — but for now, it’s an intriguing reminder that the next big health breakthrough might come from the most unexpected places.