Eating grasshoppers might improve your sleep, hair, and libido

DSCHANG, Cameroon — Forget kale and quinoa – the next superfood might be crawling around in your backyard. Researchers in Cameroon have uncovered the surprising health benefits of a grasshopper-based diet, suggesting these insects could be the key to better sleep, healthier hair, and even a stronger libido.

The study published in the journal Food Science of Animal Products reveals that rats fed a diet of Ruspolia nitidula, a type of edible grasshopper common in Cameroon, experienced significant improvements in several health markers compared to rats on other diets.

As the world grapples with food security issues and a growing population, scientists are increasingly turning to unconventional protein sources. Insects, with their high nutritional value and low environmental impact, have emerged as a promising alternative. This study, led by researchers at the University of Dschang in Cameroon, adds weight to the argument that insects could be more than just a sustainable food source – they might also offer unique health benefits.

The research team, headed by Ngnaniyyi Abdoul, compared the effects of three different diets on rats: one based on Ruspolia nitidula meal (made from ground-up grasshoppers), another using traditional fishmeal from herring, and a third diet lacking in animal protein. Over 12 weeks, they monitored various health indicators in 216 rats, including body weight, sleep patterns, sexual behavior, and hair quality.

The results were striking. Rats on the grasshopper diet showed marked improvements across several health measures. Perhaps most notably, these rats experienced a significant boost in libido, with an increased frequency of sexual behaviors compared to rats on other diets. The grasshopper-fed rats also enjoyed better sleep, gaining nearly 12 hours of extra sleep per week compared to rats on the protein-deficient diet.

However, the benefits didn’t stop there. The study found that an astonishing 94.58% of hairs examined from grasshopper-fed rats were in excellent condition – lying flat and flexible to the touch. In contrast, only 5.55% of hairs from fishmeal-fed rats and a mere 0.27% from protein-deficient rats showed similar quality.

Body weight also saw improvements, with grasshopper-fed rats maintaining a healthy average weight of 180.10 grams, slightly higher than the fishmeal group at 172.76 grams. Rats on the protein-deficient diet lagged significantly behind at 146.15 grams.

The researchers attribute these health benefits to the unique nutritional profile of Ruspolia nitidula. Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, these grasshoppers appear to provide a potent cocktail of nutrients that support various bodily functions. For instance, the abundance of sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine in grasshoppers is thought to contribute to improved hair quality by boosting keratin production.

“Our findings highlight the significant potential of edible insects like Ruspolia nitidula as alternative protein sources,” Abdoul says in statement. “The grasshopper meal not only meets nutritional needs but also offers substantial health benefits, including improved libido, better sleep, and enhanced hair quality, with far-reaching implications for both animal and human diets.”

While the idea of chomping on grasshoppers might not appeal to everyone, this research opens up exciting possibilities for nutrition and health. As we face global challenges in food production and seek ways to improve human health, unconventional solutions like insect-based diets could play a crucial role.