Impact of cricket consumption on the microbiota.
Gut flora, also known as microbiota, is a set of microorganisms that colonize our body, mainly the gastrointestinal tract.
Last years, the interest in the study of the microbiota has been increasing, as it has been shown that its main functions in the organism include:
- It plays a fundamental role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- It produces essential vitamins such as K and biotin.
- It is important for the immune system, preventing infections and diseases.
- It is very important for mental health.
It has been shown that if there is dysbiosis, which is an imbalance of the microbiota, many diseases can develop, not only affecting the intestinal tract but also the whole body and brain. It has been associated with mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. Current research suggests that diet has a major effect on the gut microbiota.
The configuration of the colonic microbiota is subject to the availability of microbiota-accessible carbohydrates found in dietary fiber.
Cricket protein is not only a source of high quality protein but also of dietary fiber.
A scientific study showed that consumption of cricket powder promoted the growth of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis). Intake of this insect was also associated with a reduction in plasma TNF-α. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory protein, which is related to the development of several chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, among others.
