Do Houseflies Contain Protein?
WouterMany people don’t realize that insects have high protein content. But in fact, houseflies have 20 grams of protein per 100 grams and more than six times as much iron as lean ground beef. They are also a good source of zinc, niacin, and magnesium, which are essential nutrients for human health. The zinc found in flies is essential for the immune system, while niacin, known as vitamin B-3, helps the body turn carbohydrates into glucose, which the body uses for energy.
One of the most interesting findings of the study was that flies can sense the amino acid leucine. This protein works in concert with several different metabolic pathways to help flies make the right choices when it comes to eating. In addition to leucine, flies also contain the protein Sestrin.
Insect-derived protein is both sustainable and cheap, making them a great source of protein. In 2013, the UN predicted that insect farming could play a key role in food production for the future. It is already a food source for many animals, including livestock and human beings. In fact, insect farming can help provide protein to the world’s food supply and be one of the most sustainable forms of agriculture.
Several studies of human protein function begin with simpler models of human biology, such as fruit flies. In these simpler organisms, scientists can compare a variety of proteins to discover how they function in human organisms. The fruit fly, for example, has thousands of essential cells such as neurons, oocytes, and sperm. In addition, it has more than 13,000 protein-coding genes. These genes build every organ of the fly. Most of these proteins are similar to those found in humans.
