The world of fitness has always been full of surprises. From the latest workout trends to the newest diet fads, there is always something new and exciting happening in this industry. But one aspect that often goes overlooked when it comes to fitness is bugs. Yes, you read that right – bugs.
Dead bugs, to be exact.
Now, before you cringe and close this article, hear me out. Dead bug exercises are a popular core-strengthening exercise that has been around for decades. It involves lying on your back and extending your arms and legs towards the ceiling while keeping your lower back pressed firmly into the ground. You then alternate lowering one arm and the opposite leg towards the ground without letting them touch it before bringing them back up again and repeating on the other side.
But today we’re not talking about just any dead bug exercise; we’re talking about actual dead bugs – insects that have met their demise but still hold value in our pursuit of health and wellness.
First up, we have cricket flour. While eating insects may seem like a foreign concept to many Westerners, it’s actually quite common in other parts of the world such as Asia and Africa where they are considered a delicacy. This trend has made its way over to North America in recent years with companies like Exo Protein offering protein bars made from cricket flour.
Why crickets? Well for starters, they are packed with protein – more specifically complete protein which means they contain all nine essential amino acids our bodies need but can’t produce on their own. Additionally, crickets are an excellent source of iron which helps transport oxygen throughout our bodies as well as vitamin B12 which plays a crucial role in brain function.
Next up we have bee pollen – another insect-based product that has gained popularity among health enthusiasts for its impressive nutritional profile. Bee pollen is essentially flower pollen collected by bees who pack it into granules using honey or nectar as a binding agent. It’s also worth noting that bee pollen isn’t technically dead insects as the bees are still alive and well during the collection process.
So what makes bee pollen so great? For starters, it’s a rich source of antioxidants which help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B-complex, zinc, iron, and magnesium – all of which play important roles in maintaining good health.
Moving on we have cochineal extract – a not-so-well-known ingredient that has been used for centuries to add color to food products such as yogurts, juices, and even makeup. Cochineal extract comes from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects native to South America where they were used by indigenous communities for their vibrant red hue.
While it may seem strange to be consuming crushed up bugs in your food or applying them directly to your face (yes, some makeup brands use cochineal extract), this ingredient is actually quite harmless when compared to other artificial dyes commonly used in processed foods. In fact, many people prefer using natural alternatives like cochineal extract over synthetic ones due to health concerns surrounding artificial colors.
Lastly but certainly not least we have propolis – a sticky substance produced by honeybees using resins collected from plants and trees. Propolis has been touted for its antimicrobial properties making it a popular ingredient in oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwash as well as an immune booster supplement.
But propolis doesn’t just stop at fighting off harmful bacteria; research suggests it may also have anti-inflammatory effects helping reduce swelling and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, some studies suggest that propolis may even have cancer-fighting properties although more research is needed in this area.
In conclusion while the idea of consuming or utilizing insect-based products may seem unappetizing or downright bizarre at first, it’s important to remember that many cultures around the world have been doing so for centuries. And with their impressive nutritional profiles and health benefits, it’s no wonder why these products are gaining popularity in the Western world as well. So maybe next time you come across a dead bug, instead of squishing it under your shoe, consider how it may benefit your health and wellness journey.