Why Bugs Are An Athlete’s Best Friend
Insects, specifically crickets, have been a major protein source that have played a big role in creating the lean physique this adventure athlete has today.
Adventure athlete Marcus Leach, a former rugby player, decided to transform his body in 2013, dropping from 24% body fat to just 9%. This was due to his consumption of six portions of protein each day. Concerned about the hormone content in red meat, Leach turned to insects following his first taste of bugs while travelling through Africa.
He often cooks spicy grasshopper bean sprouts, and adds buffalo worms to his carbonara. Apart from a tasty snack, Leach eats bugs for energy. Soon he will be competing in a 10,000km bike ride and will be relying on crickets to give him that extra boost.
But it’s just not the protein in crickets that make them healthy. They also contain some omega 3 and omega 6 fats which have been proven to boost HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol) and help reduce the risk factors associated with heart disease.
It doesn’t end there! Crickets are full of iron – every 100g of raw crickets eaten equals to a 10-milligram shot of iron to the body. This is especially vital for any endurance athlete.
Interested? Have a look at Marcus' bug recipes here!
Let’s get eating!
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