Ever since I became interested in the possibilities that come from edible insects, I have seen the same basic lists that support this. In the research I did for my eBook on the topic, “The Foodie Guide to Farming Insects For Protein” I discovered verifications and much in the way of proof to support the lists. But what sort of things appear on these lists? Well, let’s take a look now.
1 – World Hunger
This tends to be either the Number One reason or it is often very close to the top of any list I have seen. The argument is that there are tons (some estimates range at up to 40 tons) of insects to every living human on the planet. The volume ensures that not a single person could go hungry.
2 – Sustainability
With the focus on things that don’t require a lot of attention in order to be useful, insects are a sustainable resource. They also live on the waste wheat chaff as opposed to the actual grain for food. This removes insects from competing with humans for food. That other protein source of meat eats grain.
3 – Environmentally-Friendly
Generally speaking, insect farming is pretty light on the environment. For example, you can farm them on a large scale and they won’t take up anywhere near the amount of real estate required to raise (and feed) other common protein sources. You can actually farm an ongoing supply in the space of a closet.
4 – Nutritional Value
The amount of protein and iron present in insects is high in comparison with the same amount of many other protein sources. Plus, insects also provide a wide variety of other nutritional elements that are either not present or are just trace amounts in other types of protein. Caterpillars and crickets top that list.
5 – Already On Menus
There are several countries in the world that have been dining on insects since before fast food restaurants and drive-thru windows were invented. These are not countries that do not have other food sources, either. In our part of the world we see these things as ‘delicacies’ but in actual fact, they are staples.
6 – Many Varieties
Sure, there are a number of insects that are not what you would want to munch on for any reason. However, there are well over one thousand different insects that are considered as safe for human consumption. This means that if you don’t like one particular kind, there are others to try until you do.
7 – Beyond The Ick Factor
It’s rather hard to form any kind of emotional attachment to a farm of a few hundred crickets. However, many other traditional farm animals raised for food do become pets or parts of families at times. With insects we are usually looking at them as pests so when it comes to eating them, it’s a bit easier.
Need More Proof?
If you are still pretty much on the fence about eating insects as a source of protein, why not order a copy of my eBook? In it I’ll share with you details on the insects you are already consuming without being aware of it. My eBook is available at Amazon.
My name is George Elliott. I have been in the Media Industry since 1978. I spent 23 years in Broadcasting and worked in a total of six different radio stations located in southern British Columbia Canada during my career. In 2000 I switched gears and moved into the Print Media Industry at a small town, local weekly newspaper. In 2004 I bought the paper and operated it with my wife, Brenda until July 2016 when we closed it. I launched a freelance web content and article writing business from my home in January 2014.