According to scientists, this will be the food of the future due to its excellent nutritional properties.
It might be a bit different than what you're used to eating and it might seem gross if you think about it, but these superfoods of the future are very nutritious and complete. It is about those little beings that we all fear, edible insects!
Would you dare to include insects in your dishes?
The Science Behind Edible Insects
Scientists and health experts have agreed that insects will be the food of the future due to their excellent nutritional properties. Also, creating and growing insects is much more economical and environmentally friendly than raising cows, pigs, or birds.
Currently, many companies and restaurants are beginning to include different versions of insects in their products and dishes, because, in short: they are inexpensive, nutritious and easy to prepare.
For example, in Mexico we know that grasshoppers are found even in the best restaurants. They are a delicacy! We also usually eat honey ants, maguey worms and even bed bugs! known as ahuautles.
It is only a matter of overcoming that strange sensation when biting them or feeling the legs of the grasshoppers in the mouth. Beyond this, it is clear that insects will be the superfood of the future.
The Benefits Of Edible Insects
Before you say “oh how disgusting” to eat worms, grasshoppers or escamoles, you have to know about the nutrients and the benefits they can bring to your health.
High In Protein
Edible insects contain high levels of protein, similar to those in meat or seafood. The protein content of an insect, considering its dry weight, is almost equal to 75%. While beef, under the same conditions, contains only the protein 43%.
Low Fat
In addition, they contain high levels of healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated (omega 3). Remember that these fats are essential, as our body cannot produce them by themselves.
Excellent Source Of Vitamins
Also, they are an excellent source of vitamins, such as B12 and B5. As well as minerals, such as iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, among others.
The Different Ways To Eat Insects
- In certain places they are eaten in tacos or quesadillas, previously toasted.
- There is a large number of stews that include edible insects such as sauces, omelettes, barbecue, among others.
- They can also be ground to obtain a kind of flour and thus cook bread, desserts or cookies. Another sweet option is covered in dark chocolate.
- And of course, they can always be eaten as a snack, with a little chili and lemon. I already craved them!
Did you know…?
- Of every ten animals, eight are insects? They are the predominant animal group. Insects represent between 75-80% of all members of the animal kingdom.
- There are around a million species, of which 1,462 are considered suitable for human consumption such as: cockroaches, ants, crickets and earthworms.
- There are 527 classes of insects registered for human consumption, of which 36 are eaten in African countries, 29 in Asia and 23 in America.
Eating insects is not as uncommon as you imagined!
The properties of a food change with temperature. Use this guide to find out what foods to cook: Raw vs Cooked Foods: Which Has More Benefits?
