Both the bug and the worm…
Scientists have found out that slugs and rhinoceros beetles are healthier than pork and beef
TSU blog, Naked Science
One of the main challenges threatening humanity is the food crisis. In this regard, there is an active search for new food products. Invertebrates are among the most promising sources of protein. Scientists of the Biological Institute of Tomsk State University are investigating the nutritional value of several species of mollusks and insects. The analysis showed that the nutrient composition of red and gray slugs exceeds the meat of farm animals in many respects.
The research is carried out within the framework of the TSU "Engineering Biology" stratproject with the support of the "Priority 2030" program. "The use of invertebrates for food is becoming a trend not only for Asian countries, but also for Europe. For example, the largest industrial center where insects are grown for food is located in the Netherlands," says Sergey Chernyshev, project manager, BI TSU scientist, leading researcher at the Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS. – In Russia, this direction is just beginning to develop, but no one has any doubts about its prospects. Animal protein is vital for human life support. Invertebrates are the best option from this point of view."
TSU biologists are conducting research on the nutritional value of several species – gray and red slugs, rhinoceros beetles, bronzes. The first results showed that invertebrates are superior to farm animals in many respects.
"We raised gray and red slugs from the egg stage to adults capable of producing offspring, and analyzed their nutrient composition," explains Anastasia Simakova, the project executor, Head of the Department of Invertebrate Zoology at TSU BI.
The results were largely unexpected. So, it turned out that the biomass of slugs contains chitin, which is not present in the meat of farm animals. This element improves intestinal peristalsis and the work of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole. Along with this, the biomass of slugs contains carbohydrates, fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which are absent in meat products habitually consumed by the population."
If we talk about beetles, they have the highest protein content – 25.9 g/100 g, whereas beef has 18.6 g/100 g. In terms of trace elements, vitamins and caloric content, the indicators of this invertebrate species are about the same as those of slugs.
At the same time, the amount of protein in the biomass of slugs is comparable to its level in the meat of domestic animals, and the amount of fat is immeasurably less – accordingly, the caloric content of invertebrates is several times lower. The trace element composition of the studied objects also turned out to be very rich. For example, the analysis revealed a high content of iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc – the most important trace elements for maintaining the normal functioning of the body.
"If we talk about industrial cultivation, invertebrates are an economically very profitable story," notes Sergey Chernyshev. – Firstly, they do not need heat, these species can safely exist at a temperature of +10 ° C. They are not afraid of high humidity, respectively, basements can be used to grow such animals. Food is any sawdust with a small amount of inexpensive enzymes, fruit, vegetable waste. There is no need to invest in pastures and expensive feed."
Another feature that distinguishes such a product favorably is environmental friendliness. Antibiotics and feed grown with the use of pesticides are widely used in the production of meat of farm animals. Invertebrates do not require such a preventive measure as the use of antibacterial drugs. The substrate used to feed invertebrates is devoid of toxic elements.
According to biologists, invertebrate meat is a pure animal protein containing essential amino acids that are not synthesized in the human body. Invertebrates can be used for food in various forms, for example, in the form of a powder additive.
We should add that scientists also plan to study the mucus of invertebrates. In a number of countries, it is actively used in the cosmetic industry. For example, Korean cosmetics based on snail mucin are gaining more and more popularity. The research of TSU biologists will provide the Russian cosmetology industry with the data necessary to create new effective products.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru