Eating Insects As a Source of Protein


Whether you’re running or training, as you increase your fitness level, your body is likely to crave more protein. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to consume more meat and dairy products. Many athletes are opting for alternative protein sources (like plant-based proteins) to fulfill their dietary needs. Bugs have long been a pantry staple in many Eastern countries, and now eating insects is a fast-growing trend in the West among those who are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to animal protein.

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Insect Protein vs. Meat Protein

Insects can be an even more efficient source of protein than animals. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that “insects contain values of between 9.96 and 35.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, compared with 16.8-20.6 grams for meat”.(1) However, protein density does vary widely depending on which kinds of bugs are being consumed. With over 2,100 types of edible insects to choose from, the options are endless. Crickets, certain ant species, and mealworms are the rising stars of the bug protein movement, due mostly to their…

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