The existence of earthworms may be considered disgusting for some people. However, don't get me wrong.Kpresence worm This gives an early sign of the existence of an ideal life system, thus allowing you toenjoy a variety of foods derived from plants.
Earthworms have an important role in increasing the availability of nutrients to form a nutritious soil layer. They do so by eating plant debris, such as dead roots, fallen leaves, grass, and compost. This allows the soil that is inhabited by earthworms to have a more friable structure, as well as a more fertile and productive quality.
The Important Role of Earthworms in the Environment and Health
One of the main functions of earthworms that are significant for environmental sustainability is through their ability to increase soil drainage. The soil occupied by earthworms has a water absorption capacity of up to 10 times higher. The aisles made by these worms are also useful as spaces for the flow of natural materials that can fertilize the soil with the help of rainwater.
In addition, there are other benefits of earthworms that are directly related to the health of the human body, including:
- Source of nutritionIt may be difficult to imagine if earthworms are used as a source of body nutrition. When they see earthworms, not a few are disgusted. However, in fact a study revealed that these animals contain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium, with high concentrations. In fact, the amino acid content in earthworms reaches 78-79 grams per liter. With such abundant nutritional content, it is not surprising that earthworms were used as one of the high nutritional food ingredients, for example in ancient societies in China and India.
- Natural remedies to treat inflammationVarious scientific studies have also observed the effect of earthworms on inflammation, oxidation processes, hematology, and serum biochemical indicators. These decomposers also contain an organic compound called lumbrokinase, which has many health benefits. One of them is to reduce inflammation caused by hypercoagulation. Currently, these compounds are quite often used as food supplements. That said, earthworm extract is also popularly used as a typhus drug, but this still requires further research.
- Natural remedies to treat nervous system disordersA study found that earthworms Pheretima aspergilum has a role in the regeneration of nerve cells. The study also suggested that earthworms could potentially improve signaling pathways in Schwann cells. This cell is a part that has an important role in healing damaged nerves. In another study, scientists observed the biochemical benefits of earthworm extract on the repair of the nervous system. The study showed that the administration of earthworm extract Lumbicrus can increase the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. However, these findings still need to be investigated further. As a note, Lumbicrus is a type of earthworm that is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Another benefit of earthworms is as a soil pollution control agent. Earthworms are organisms that are able to accumulate certain materials in their bodies. Thus, earthworms can be an excellent living agent in monitoring the development of pollution of the soil in which they live.
This is important in nature conservation activities because by analyzing the pollutant content in the earthworm's body, it can be determined what actions need to be taken to improve the condition of the polluted soil.
There are many benefits of the existence of earthworms on the environment and human health, which cannot be underestimated. However, earthworms can also cause disease. Therefore, it is not recommended to walk barefoot on the ground and wash your hands after contact with the ground.
