CNBC
Why you buggin’? If the idea of munching on maggots makes you squirm, you may want to hold your breath for this article. Insects are the protein of the future. They have a low environmental footprint and are a source of wholesome nutrition. And get this, they may even taste good.
Nutrition For Days
Suck it up and eat some bugs! Bamboo worms, crickets, locusts, and silkworms are back on the menu. Our ancestors ate them for centuries. Some cultures, like China, never stopped. Why? Insects have a significant amount of protein.
Any given bug is between 20 to 76% protein. Fat content varies between 2-50% depending on the crunchy critter. Some species contain reasonable amounts of minerals and vitamins. Don’t just eat any bug! Some contain toxic bioactive compounds, but many are safe and nutritious.
Did Somebody Say Tasty?
Believe it or not, bugs and be tasty. In China, they like them deep-fried. A good ‘ol deep fry can turn anything into a culinary masterpiece. Cricket products have already hit the US market.
Check a store near your for roasted crickets, fried crickets, chips made with cricket protein, and goodies baked with cricket flour. Fitness enthusiasts love the fact that they can sneak extra protein into their banana muffins and pancakes. When you bake with cricket, you can barely tell they’re there.
Low Environmental Footprint
Insects may do more than just fill your belly. They may save the world. If the everyone starts eating insect protein in large quantities, we might be able to make a dent in our environmental footprint.
The world population is estimated to reach 9 billion by 2050. We won’t’ be able to raise enough animal protein to keep up. Edible insects require exponentially fewer resources to produce. They’re nutritionally dense and forgiving to the environment. Eat more bugs to fuel your body and save your future!