Singer Uee Eats Live Caterpillars... "What Are the Health Benefits?"
[Celeb Health] Singer Uee tried the taste of live caterpillars
Uee recently appeared on SBS's variety show "Jungle Bobs," where she tried the taste of live caterpillars. Despite her initial hesitation, saying she couldn't even eat items like sea squirts or silkworm larvae, She was impressed. She closed her eyes and took a bite, exclaiming, "Wow, it's really tasty,” and compared the taste to coconut, milk pudding.
While the idea of eating insects might seem off-putting, they are rich in protein
Many people are hesitant about eating insects, including the caterpillars Uee tried. However, insects have been used for centuries to alleviate hunger and illness. Today, many regions around the world still consume insects. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 1,400 insect species are used as food in countries like the U.S., Southeast Asia, and China
The caterpillars are similar in protein content to beef. Beef contains 27.4 grams of protein per 100 grams, caterpillars have 28.2 grams. They are also rich in zinc, calcium, iron, and beneficial unsaturated fats that improve cholesterol levels.
edible insects can help prevent muscle loss and obesity, and reduce oxidative stress
According to research by the Rural Development Administration(RDA), extracts from brown winged beetle larvae have been shown to inhibit muscle loss. In the study, applying these extracts to muscle cells increased the expression of genes that promote muscle cell differentiation by about 60%, while the expression of genes related to muscle atrophy decreased by approximately 36%.
Edible insects also have benefits for preventing obesity. Reports indicate that extracts from mealworm larvae can prevent the differentiation of fat precursor cells (3T3-L1) into fat cells, potentially helping to combat obesity.
Additionally, these insects may offer antioxidant benefits. A study led by Dr. Choi Yoonsang from the Korea Food Research Institute found that proteins extracted from adult and larval silkworms, when hydrolyzed, effectively eliminate harmful oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can accumulate in the body, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of conditions such as cancer, aging, and stroke.