Edible insects like crickets are fast becoming recognised as high protein superfoods, packing more protein than equivalent amounts of lean meats like chicken and beef. But did you know that they can also improve your gut health? Crickets can aid digestion and even play a part in combatting various digestive conditions like IBS.

Eat crickets for better gut health

Crickets may be renowned for their high protein levels, but that’s not where their nutritional benefits end. These insects contain chitin and other fibres which are believed to influence gut health. 

Chitin is insoluble, which means it doesn’t easily break down when in our digestive tract. For our body’s microbiome, chitin is a big treat. It provides prebiotic properties to the gut flora, promoting the growth of good bacteria. The chitin contained in crickets can improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost our immune system.

Helping to combat digestive conditions

There’s been an alarming rise in many different digestive disorders in recent years. One of the reasons for this is an increase in people living more sedentary lifestyles. Sitting down all day can have a serious impact on the body, and in particular, the digestive tract.

Sitting down for long periods of time can cause your abdomen to compress, slowing down digestion. This can result in issues such as heartburn, bloating, constipation, and IBS, all of which can make life pretty miserable. Additionally, when we’re sitting down, our bowel works less effectively than when we’re stood up. 

To maintain a healthy digestive system, you need to add more fibre-rich foods to your diet. Foods high in fibre are great for gut bacteria. So, as well as eating vegetables like carrots and broccoli, beans, and whole grains, you may also want to incorporate insects like crickets in your meals.

How to add crickets to your diet

Many people are interested in adding crickets to their diet, particularly if they suffer from digestive issues. However, often they just aren’t sure how to do this. It can be easy to become confused about how to prepare and eat these edible insects. One of the easiest ways to work crickets on to your plate is to buy cricket flour. This is a powder made from crickets which can be used in the same way as true flours to make cakes, biscuits, bread, sauces, and dressings. There are many ways to use this versatile ingredient.

An even simpler method of adding crickets to your meals is to buy cricket protein pasta. Made from 100% natural cricket flour and durum wheat, it tastes just as good as regular pasta and can be used in many meals, from hearty pasta dishes to soups and salads. Cricket pasta is a fantastic way to get those fibre-rich, gut-friendly crickets into your diet.

Gut health should be taken seriously, especially in these increasingly sedentary times. So, it makes sense to take steps to incorporate more fibre into your diet if you want to prevent or combat digestive issues. Browse our range of superfoods fuelled by crickets in our online shop.