Potential health benefits of edible insects

Nowakowski, Abby C; Miller, Abbey C; Miller, Benjamin A.; Xiao, Hang; Wu, Xian

doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1867053

Cited by 106 publications

(91 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…Several studies have proposed natural IBD treatment products with the ability to reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines or mediators. Recently, edible insects have shown anti-inflammatory effects against various disease models [ 34 ]. Similarly, AE-GBE is derived from a food source that plays a strong economic role and has also shown significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects [ 19 , 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gryllus bimaculatus Extract Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Derived Inflammatory Response in Human Colon Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Kim

Park

Baek

et al. 2021

Insects

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Increased tight junction permeability and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines are crucial pathophysiological mechanisms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous ethanolic Gryllus bimaculatus extract (AE-GBE) against intestinal permeability on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Caco-2 cells. Treatment with AE-GBE increased cell viability and significantly reduced inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and LPS-induced reactive oxidative stress. LPS increased the expression levels of iNOS, Cox-2, and 4-hydroxylnonenal; however, these levels were attenuated by AE-GBE treatment. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFNγ were increased by LPS, but were significantly reduced by AE-GBE treatment. Intestinal epithelial permeability and the related expression of the proteins Zoula ocludence-1, occludin, and claudin-1 was increased by LPS treatment, and this effect was significantly reduced by AE-GBE treatment. The reduction in AMPK phosphorylation in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells was reversed in activation by co-treatment with AE-GBE. In conclusion, AE-GBE can protect epithelial cells from LPS-induced impaired barrier integrity by increasing tight junction proteins and preventing various inflammatory mediators. Thus, AE-GBE has the potential to improve inflammation-related diseases, including IBD, by inhibiting excessive production of inflammation-inducing mediators.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gryllus bimaculatus Extract Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Derived Inflammatory Response in Human Colon Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Kim

Park

Baek

et al. 2021

Insects

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“…Edible insects are considered to have superior health benefits, due to their high quantities of nutrients, such as essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc [ 2 , 72 , 96 ]. In addition to the health benefits of edible insect nutrients, the rich active substances in edible aquatic insects have also attracted attention [ 97 ].…”

Section: Nutritional and Health Benefits Of Edible Aquatic Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edible Aquatic Insects: Diversities, Nutrition, and Safety

Zhao

Wang

Sun

et al. 2021

Foods

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Edible insects have great potential to be human food; among them, aquatic insects have unique characteristics and deserve special attention. Before consuming these insects, the nutrition and food safety should always be considered. In this review, we summarized the species diversity, nutrition composition, and food safety of edible aquatic insects, and also compared their distinguished characteristics with those of terrestrial insects. Generally, in contrast with the role of plant feeders that most terrestrial edible insect species play, most aquatic edible insects are carnivorous animals. Besides the differences in physiology and metabolism, there are differences in fat, fatty acid, limiting/flavor amino acid, and mineral element contents between terrestrial and aquatic insects. Furthermore, heavy metal, pesticide residue, and uric acid composition, concerning food safety, are also discussed. Combined with the nutritional characteristics of aquatic insects, it is not recommended to eat the wild resources on a large scale. For the aquatic insects with large consumption, it is better to realize the standardized cultivation before they can be safely eaten.

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“…A wide variety of potential health benefits in humans consuming edible insects have been suggested (see Table 1). Insects may prevent micronutrient deficiencies and play a role in the management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer (Nowakowski et al, 2021).…”

Section: Health Benefits Of Edible Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edible insects as a source of food bioactives and their potential health effects

Lange

Nakamura

2021

JFB

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Entomophagy (consumption of insects) is an issue of global nutritional and environmental interest. The nutritional value of insects appears to be high, since they are rich in protein and fat and provide a range of vitamins and minerals. Edible insects contain similar amounts of protein to conventional meat and higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Due to their high content of protein, micronutrients and fiber, insects could become a valuable alternative to food derived from other animals. The findings of various in vitro and in vivo animal studies suggest beneficial effects of entomophagy with respect to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and non-communicable diseases as well as immune functions and carcinogenesis. Edible insects appear to be a promising and insufficiently explored source of macronutrients, micronutrients and food bioactives. In the course of time, some edible insects may meet the criteria of functional food ingredients. However, there is a significant lack of research investigating health outcomes in humans. The available evidence in humans, derived from randomized controlled trials, suggests a role of edible insects in the promotion of mineral status and the modulation of gut microbiota, with some prebiotic effects. High-quality clinical studies assessing efficacy, oral intake safety and allergy risk are needed.

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Potential health benefits of edible insects

Cited by 106 publications

References 46 publications

Gryllus bimaculatus Extract Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Derived Inflammatory Response in Human Colon Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Gryllus bimaculatus Extract Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Derived Inflammatory Response in Human Colon Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Edible Aquatic Insects: Diversities, Nutrition, and Safety

Edible insects as a source of food bioactives and their potential health effects

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