Why we should all be eating insects
In January, the European Union caused controversy when they approved two types of insect for sale as food products. House cricket and mealworm are now on the menu throughout the EU. (1)
Reactions have ranged from apprehension to all-out disgust. But should we be eating insects after all?
Phil Torres, biologist and conservationist, thinks we should. “We should be eating bugs to save the world,” he said. (2)
In recent years, the number of individuals suffering from global food insecurity has reached an all-time high of 345 million (3). This rise is due to the supply-chain disruptions of COVID-19, and the ever-growing effects of climate change on planet earth.
As a result, traditional sources of protein, such as cattle and other livestock, are no longer able to feed the expanding global population.
That is where insects come in.
Why insects? These critters are eco-friendly superfoods, requiring less resources and energy to produce than any other livestock.
Insects emit fewer greenhouse gasses, and require up to 3000 times less water than cattle, as well as needing less farmland (4). The result is a significantly more eco-friendly protein source that has a much lower carbon footprint than animal protein.
Moreover, insect protein is incredibly healthy. The UN Green Paper on entomophagy found that insects are “rich in protein and good fats and high in calcium, iron and zinc” (5). With their high levels of macronutrients and vitamins, insects aren’t just good for the planet–they’re good for us, too.
As the regulations surrounding the sale of edible insects progress, more individuals are exposed to the practice of entomophagy. The UN has called for educational reform to overcome the ‘ick factor’ associated with insect eating.
We must all work to tackle “negative attitudes towards insects in general,” the Green Paper said. It is important to keep an open mind, even if the idea is initially off-putting.
You could challenge yourself by making a resolution to try insect protein this year. The current edible insect market provides something for everyone: protein bars, pasta, granola, chips, and more.
With global food insecurity and climate change reaching a crisis point, a shift in our thinking is well overdue.
