EDIBLE INSECTS AS PERSPECTIVE FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n12-338Keywords:
Entomophagy, SDG 2, Food Neophobia, Food SecurityAbstract
The consumption of edible insects is an innovative approach to diversifying the human nutrition, increasing the availability of nutritious foods, and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with traditional animal protein production, in addition promoting the appreciation of new ingredients and strengthening food security. Rapid global population growth, hunger, and resource scarcity pose significant challenges and persistent problems, making the search for alternative food sources essential. In view of this, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has proposed evaluating, reassessing, and encouraging of the production and consumption of edible insects as a strategy to minimize these problems and strengthen sustainable food systems. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of entomophagy through a literature review, highlighting its environmental, economic, social, and nutritional benefits as a viable alternative for human consumption. Thus, it can be observed that despite its ancestral origins and use since the earliest hominids, entomophagy still faces strong cultural resistance, especially in Western societies, where the consumption of insects is often associated with primitive practices. This leads to the conclusion that strong scientific dissemination and the existence of specific legislation will contribute to the appreciation of this practice in Brazil, even if it is for supplying the foreign market.
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