No abstract

Every day, there is an increase in environmental damage on the planet regarding human action. One of the causes is food production. Edible insects are presented as an option to mitigate the environmental damage generated by the production of conventional food for humans and animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the main nutritional aspects of insects and how they can provide a nutritional and sustainable alternative to the planet. As the main results, the nine orders of insects that are most consumed on the planet are presented: Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Odonata, and Orthoptera. Their main macro- and micronutrient aspects as well as their bioavailable and bioaccessibility proteins and essential amino acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fiber (chitin) are also explored. Additionally, some of the species that are used for animal food processing and the possible risks that insects can present when used as food are discussed. With this, edible insects are established as a real option to mitigate climate change being an important nutritional source for the development of food for humans and animals.

Fermented indigenous foods are of global interest, in the case of South America, fermented beverages made from cassava (Manihot esculenta) are a vital component in the daily life and diet of indigenous groups. Traditional fermentation methods promote the microbiota of beverages and consequently the generation of secondary metabolites during the spontaneous fermentation process. In addition, they improve nutritional value, ensure microbiological stability, promote flavor and aroma formation (flavor) and degrade cassava's own cyanogenic compounds. The objective of this review article is to describe the methods of artisan elaboration, the role of microorganisms on the chemical parameters of the substrates of indigenous beverages and their significance as a potential source of probiotics. The fermented cassava-based beverages studied were chicha, calugi, yakupa, caxiri, cauim, tarubá, y parakari, from Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Guyana. A specific search was carried out in the main scientific databases using the key words: chicha, cassava, fermented beverages, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. Articles in English and Spanish were chosen from the last 7 years to the present. It is recommended to study these beverages in depth for subsequent research and development of industrialization processes, and thus rescuing the ancestral traditions of native indigenous groups.