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Insects as food or edible insects are insect species used for human consumption. [1] Over 2 billion people are estimated to eat insects on a daily basis. [ 2 ] Globally, more than 2,000 insect species are considered edible, though far fewer are discussed for industrialized mass production and regionally authorized for use in food.
Eighty percent of the world's nations eat insects of 1,000 to 2,000 species. [10] [11] FAO has registered some 1,900 edible insect species and estimates that there were, in 2005, some two billion insect consumers worldwide. FAO suggests eating insects as a possible solution to environmental degradation caused by livestock production. [12]
In recent years, however, a certain level of consumer interest was observed according to related consumer studies, especially in cases when the insects are not identifiable in the processed food (e.g. insect flour in a ready-to-eat food), and consumers made aware of additional values of insect-based food stuffs. [69] [70] [71] [72]
How nutritious are edible worms and insects? Many are a complete source of protein and high in iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, B-vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber.
Mealworms have historically been consumed in many Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. There, they are commonly found in food markets and sold as street food alongside other edible insects. Baked or fried mealworms have been marketed as a healthy snack food in recent history, though the consumption of mealworms goes back centuries. [3]
Humans eat thousands of plant species; there may be as many as 75,000 edible species of angiosperms, of which perhaps 7,000 are often eaten. [2] Edible plants found in nature include flowers, seeds, berries, seaweed, and cacti. Being able to identify the versions of these plants that are safe to eat is an important survival skill. [3]
The nectar attracts predatory insects which will eat both the nectar and any plant-eating insects around, thus functioning as "bodyguards". [24] Foraging predatory insects show a preference for plants with extrafloral nectaries, particularly some species of ants and wasps, which have been observed to defend the plants bearing them.
Mexico insects: Aegiale hesperiaris (maguey worm) Atta mexicana (ant) Comadia redtenbacheri (mezcal worm) Dactylopius coccus females used as red food dye; Eucheira socialis (Madrone butterfly) Sphenarium spp. Liometopum apiculatum and L. occidentale var. luctuosum larvae ; Several Choleoptera larvae