GERMANY star Robert Andrich plans to devour Spain at the Euros… after tucking into a plate of MEALWORMS.
The 29-year-old helped Bayer Leverkusen feast on their Bundesliga rivals as they won a league and cup double in May.
And midfielder Andrich has revealed his secret has been wolfing down a foodstuff eaten more by animals and birds than humans.
Mealworms are the larva form of the yellow mealworm beetle. It is illegal to import them into the UK.
Andrich spoke of his fondness for the grisly grub in a YouTube chat with his national team-mate David Raum.
He insisted: “I love mealworms. They are a good source of protein.
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“In fact I don’t just love them – I think they are awesome.”
Stunned Leipzig defender Raum bets Andrich to eat one, and says he will order some for his pal.
Why eat mealworms?
While the idea of eating mealworms may not appeal to everyone, they actually have some amazing health benefits.
Mealworms provide several nutrients, including protein, fat, vitamins, and fiber.
Live mealworms have more moisture content than dried ones. The moisture content of a live mealworm is 62%, in contrast with 5% for a dried mealworm.
Interestingly, the moisture content influences the protein content in live and dried mealworms.
There are observable differences in the protein value in live and dried mealworms, and of other nutrient values as well.
Dried mealworms have more protein value, at 53%. Fat and fiber values are 28% and 6%, respectively.
Live mealworms have a protein value of 20%, fat value of 13%, and 2% fiber.
Based on their nutritional makeup, dried mealworms overall have more nutritional value.
Many prepare their mealworms meals by either pan-frying or oven baking them.
While the UK has banned them, they are enjoyed throughout the EU, United States and Asia, particularly in the southeast of the continent.
But the midfielder is unfazed, and maintains: “I think they are terrific.”
Andrich’s revelation is the latest insect-related development from Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign.
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Bees built a nest at the Stuttgart Arena on the eve of their group-stage clash with Hungary.
And mosquitoes invaded their training camp last week, stinging several players.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men return to Stuttgart tomorrow for their quarter-final against Spain.
Meet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here
EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
