Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has been a common practice in many cultures for centuries, and it offers many benefits. Insects are a rich source of protein, and they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional protein sources such as cattle. Insects may also help reduce the risk of diabetes, support weight loss, improve gut health, and boost brain function. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals and low in fat, which makes them heart-healthy. Additionally, consuming insects might reduce the risk of cancer. As the food industry faces sustainability and health issues, incorporating insects into everyday diets can help solve many problems.
10 Unexpected Health Benefits of Eating Bugs
In Western cultures, insects are often considered as pests or an unwanted food source. However, in many other parts of the world, consuming insects is a common practice, and it is not just about hunger. Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has been embedded in the traditions, culture, and cuisine of many countries for centuries. Moreover, as insect farming is far more sustainable and environmentally friendly than raising cattle, more people are considering insects as a future food source. While insects may not seem appetizing to many, they have an impressive nutritional profile that rivals or even surpasses it of traditional meat products. In this article, we will explore the ten unexpected health benefits that come with eating bugs.
1. Insects are rich in protein
Insects are one of the most protein-dense foods available in nature. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, most insects have a protein content ranging from 20% to 70% of dry weight. By comparison, beef has about 25% protein content, and pork has about 27% protein content. Therefore, consuming insects is an excellent way for people who struggle to meet their daily protein requirements. Additionally, some insects like crickets and mealworms contain specific essential amino acids that are not typically found in other dietary proteins.
2. Insects are sustainable
Insects are much more environmentally friendly than some traditional protein sources. Compared to cattle, insects produce fewer greenhouse gases, require less water and land, and produce far less waste. Additionally, insects can be farmed indoors, so there is little risk of land degradation or deforestation. Given the rapidly growing global population and the increasing demand for food, using insects as a protein source could be an essential factor in ensuring sustainability in the food industry.
3. Insects may reduce the risk of diabetes
Some insects, such as crickets and silkworms, are rich sources of chitin. Chitin is a type of insoluble fiber found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. Studies have suggested that diets rich in chitin may reduce the risk of diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. Chitin also acts as a prebiotic and can aid in digestion, which further supports its beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.
4. Insects are rich in vitamins and minerals
Insects are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and B2, iron, zinc, and calcium. Studies have shown that insects like grasshoppers, termites and mealworms contain higher levels of these nutrients than conventional meat. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help boost the immune system, maintain healthy skin and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like anemia.
5. Insects have a low fat content
Unlike traditional meat, insects have very low-fat content. This makes them a more heart-healthy alternative. Some insects have unsaturated fats, which can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the lipid profiles of some insects like crickets have been reported to contain Omega 3 fatty acids.
6. Insects can support weight loss
Insects can be an excellent addition to any weight loss program. Because they are high in protein, insects can keep you feeling full for more extended periods, reducing the chance of snacking on unhealthy foods. Additionally, because insects have a low-fat content, they have fewer calories per gram than traditional meat, making them a low-calorie alternative that can fit into a reduced-calorie diet.
7. Insects can improve gut health
Insect protein is a valuable source of prebiotics. Prebiotics like chitin and fructooligosaccharides support the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can improve gut health. A healthy gut flora has been linked to reduced inflammation, healthier weight, and improved immune function.
8. Insects can boost brain function
Insects contain several nutrients, essential for proper brain function, such as choline, tyrosine and myricetin. Choline is essential for the development of the brain, and its consumption has been linked to better memory and learning ability. Tyrosine plays a crucial role in cognitive processes linked to alertness, attention, and focus. Finally, Myricetin has been shown to improve spatial memory and delay cognitive decline.
9. Insects can strengthen bones
Insects like crickets and mealworms are rich in calcium, a mineral essential for strong bones. Consuming insects as a part of a balanced diet can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
10. Insects may reduce the risk of cancer
Insects have not been explicitly linked to cancer research, although some studies suggest their potential as a cancer-fighting food. Insects like beetles and silkworms contain antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage, leading to cancer. Additionally, chitin is found to inhibit the spread of cancer cells in some animal models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, insects’ consumption might seem like an exotic idea to some, but it’s a sustainable, nutrient-dense, and potentially delicious way to consume protein. With the food industry facing sustainability issues and health problems arising due to unhealthy dietary habits, incorporating insects into our diets and making them a mainstream source of protein can fix many problems. While western culture carries many prejudices about insects, it is the right time to explore the culinary potential insects bring and implement this practiced knowledge into our everyday lives.