What are the Benefits and Functions of Silkworms?
The Benefits and Uses of Silkworm Larvae
Many people may have had the experience of raising silkworms when they were young. After growing up, silkworms turn into cocoons, and the insects inside have strong medicinal value. If we can get in touch with silkworm larvae, we can understand the benefits and effects of this kind of thing. Proper use can solve many problems for our bodies, and it also has high edible value. So, what are the benefits and effects of silkworm larvae? Let's take a look below.
What are the Benefits and Effects of Silkworm Larvae?
First, silkworm larvae can have a heat-clearing and fire-removing effect because they belong to cold ingredients and have the effect of neutralizing heat in the body. This is one of the reasons why so many people consume silkworm larvae in summer. Second, proper consumption of silkworm larvae can also improve our immunity because they contain a large amount of protein, amino acids, etc., which can effectively improve our immunity. Third, proper consumption of silkworm larvae can also help us slow down the loss of calcium and thus prevent osteoporosis because they are high-calcium foods, with 100g of silkworm larvae containing up to 16mg of calcium. Fourth, proper consumption of silkworm larvae can also have the effect of adjuvant treatment of hypertension because they are low-sodium and high-potassium foods, which can effectively regulate the balance of electrolytes in the body and reduce blood pressure.
How to Eat Silkworm Larvae?
1. Boiled Silkworm Larvae: Wash the silkworm larvae, put them in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and also add scallion sections and ginger slices. Boil them until cooked, add an appropriate amount of salt, and they are ready to eat.
2. Fried Silkworm Larvae: Wash the silkworm larvae, put them in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, monosodium glutamate, scallion sections, and ginger slices. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Then heat up a pan, add oil, pour in the silkworm larvae, fry them until cooked, remove them, plate them, and they are ready to eat.
Notes on Eating Silkworm Larvae
First, it is important to choose fresh silkworm larvae to eat. Silkworm larvae that have been stored for a long time may have their protein deteriorate and lose nutritional value, and consumption may also cause gastrointestinal problems. Second, people with allergic tendencies are not recommended to eat silkworm larvae as they may cause allergic reactions because the protein in them belongs to foreign protein, which can stimulate the immune system and cause allergic reactions. Finally, people with a cold constitution and those who are menstruating are not recommended to eat silkworm larvae because they are cold-natured foods and may exacerbate cold symptoms.