It’s certainly one way to get all “hop” and bothered.
Grasshoppers could be added to the list of alleged aphrodisiacs ― a food or other substance thought to increase one’s libido — according to a study published in the journal Food Science of Animal Products.
While erotic mood-boosting bites are more fantasy than fact, many foods dubbed aphrodisiacs are packed with nutrients and other benefits, as a healthy sex drive starts with good health.
Eating grasshoppers has been found to boost sex drive, improve sleep quality, promote healthy hair and help with weight management.
Researchers at the University of Dschang in Cameroon, where the type of edible grasshopper is common, noticed a number of significant health benefits in rats fed a grasshopper-based diet compared to others.
The health advantages are attributed to the insects being rich in nutrients, including protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Munching on the insects significantly boosted libido, which was noticed when the rats on this diet were significantly more frisky.
These rats also added about 12 hours of sleep to their weekly schedule, developed “notably superior” hair and better maintained a healthy average weight.
While this study only focused on rats, the researchers say the same findings could apply to humans.
“Our findings highlight the significant potential of edible insects like Ruspolia nitidula [Large Conehead Grasshoppers] as alternative protein sources,” head researcher Ngnaniyyi Abdoul told The Post.
“The grasshopper meal not only meets nutritional needs but also offers substantial health benefits.”
Over 2,200 insect species are consumed across 123 countries worldwide, including the US, according to a study published by Scientific Reports.
As food supplies continuously face changes and uncertainties due to population growth and climate change, experts have increasingly promoted integrating insects into more cuisines.
About a quarter of Americans are reportedly willing to ingest insect ingredients, and 18% would be willing to eat whole bugs.
But that number could raise if libidos do.
