grasshoppers

Eating ants and other insects could soon be recommended to protect against cancer, following a groundbreaking new study.

A series of experiments by Italian scientists show that the ubiquitous invertebrate – in common with others such as grasshoppers and crickets – contains high concentrations of antioxidants.

The compounds are important for reducing chemical reactions in the body that produce free radicals, which are themselves believed to raise the risk of cancer. They have also been linked to higher chances of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Antioxidants are present in a range of foods, including fruit and vegetables.

However, many of these …