Entomophagy and human food security

Abstract

Food security is a problem in many developing and less developed countries due to increase in human population and decrease in crop productivity and food availability. Edible insects are a natural renewable resource of food providing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. As such, entomophagy is common in ethnic groups in South America, Mexico, Africa and Asia, where indigenous insects are easily available and are consumed in various forms (raw/processed) or used as an ingredient or supplement in modern recipes. Entomophagy therefore offers an opportunity to bridge the protein gap of human foods irrespective of a few constraints that are discussed. Concerning food security, more attention is needed to assess and revalidate entomophagy in the context of modern life. Further research would be necessary to exploit insect biodiversity and ethno-entomophagy, stop overexploitation of these insects, and initiate actions for insect conservation.

Nutritional Compositions of Six Edible Insects in Java

“…Table 4 shows the nutritional content of meat, fish, eggs, tempeh (fermented soybean cake) and tofu, the food which is commonly consumed by the community. Therefore, insects deserve to be taken into account to combating problem of malnutrition, especially in areas of deprivation and low purchasing power, and to ensure food security (Belluco et al, 2015;Gahukar, 2011;Ghosh et al, 2017;van Huis et al, 2013). Insects are not only able to provide adequate protein and energy and meet the needs of the amino acids that humans require, but also provide unsaturated fatty acids in the form of mono-and poly-unsaturated fatty acids that are good for the body and rich (Rumpold & Schlüter, 2013).…”

Consumption patterns of edible insects in rural and urban areas of Zimbabwe: taste, nutritional value and availability are key elements for keeping the insect eating habit

“…Edible insects have the potential to contribute to food security (Belluco et al 2013;Ghaly 2009). FAO is therefore promoting the consumption of insects from wild harvest or insect farming (Gahukar 2011;Hanboonsong et al 2013; van Huis et al 2013). The proportional contribution of edible insects to the diets of insecteating populations ranges from minor to substantial and there can be variation in the contribution to different groups within communities (Raubenheimer and Rothman 2013;van Huis et al 2013).…”

Allergy to Locusts and Acridid Grasshoppers: a Review

“…A considerable part of the world population, in China, the Far East, and the Middle East, in Africa, Mexico, and South America, as well as indigenous people in Australia, feed on edible insects (Srivastava et al 2009, Ramos-Elorduy 2009, Gahukar 2011, van Huis 2013. Crickets (Gryllidae) and mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae) are important constituents of insect diet , Gahukar 2011, Belluco et al 2013, Barennes et al 2015, Megido et al 2016, having high nutritional value (Belluco et al 2013, Yi et al 2013, van Huis 2013, Barennes et al 2015, Megido et al 2016.…”

“…Crickets (Gryllidae) and mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae) are important constituents of insect diet , Gahukar 2011, Belluco et al 2013, Barennes et al 2015, Megido et al 2016, having high nutritional value (Belluco et al 2013, Yi et al 2013, van Huis 2013, Barennes et al 2015, Megido et al 2016. Rumpold & Schlüter (2013) published a comprehensive review on nutritional composition and nutritive values of edible insects, often referring to Orthoptera as a single unit (crickets, grasshoppers and locusts together), but presenting some specific details on A. domesticus from various sources.…”