Healthy eating

[Baconrollstoplasticdolls]

I have read today that the United Nations are rather keen for us to change our diets a little (well, a lot actually). The report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization propose that eating insects could help fight world hunger and boost nutrition, as well as being beneficial to the environment by reducing pollution, and as insects are everywhere and their rate of reproduction is quick there is enough for everyone (yippee).


There are a reported two billion people worldwide (mainly Africa and Asia) that already supplement their diet with a reported 1900 species of insects, such as crickets, beetles, caterpillars and ants.


This trend is not very common in Western countries and I would be staggered if they can convince people to swap their toast and jam, fry ups and cereals for fried scorpions and worms on toast.


I think that the authors of this study make some good points however, such as insects are nutritious, with high protein, fat and mineral content. They also suggest that by incorporating insects in to our diets we would go some way to address food concerns and it could also be a huge benefit to undernourished children.


How do you feel about this? I think it is important to remember that insects are considered to be a delicacie in other parts of the world, and if it can help then shouldn't we give it a go? If it helps, I once ate ants in Asia and thought that they were delious, infact they tasted a lot like Marmite (you either love it hate it). I also tried beetles and crickets and I have to be honest when I say that I have had worse from some kebab shops.




[loopydoo]

Perhaps if we were in a state of apocalypse and my life depended in it but no, I won't be eating insects. I cultures where it's been the norm for centuries, it's easier to accept. However, in a western culture where some people don't like even touching the raw meat they are preparing, I'm not sure we will all be changing into a nation of insect lovers soon.

[WeightWars]

I've eaten them in asia before, one had sprinkles on it lol. They weren't bad at all but I think you'd be hard pushed to change the minds of a nation of fish and chips lovers.