Are insects really 'poor people's food'?
Do people eat insects when there is nothing else to eat? Are insects really "food for the poor" or famine food?
In the past, insects were not considered food in Europe and North America, but rather vermin or pests. However, in many other societies, insects have been consumed for centuries. A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2013 highlighted the nutritional value of insects, showing that they have higher protein levels than other animals and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids.
People who eat insects do so mainly for their taste and not because they are starving. In fact, insects are rarely seen as famine food because they do not provide the same calories as starchy foods. Instead, they offer useful nutrients for populations with vitamin or mineral deficiencies or those who consume little animal protein.
Cultural factors guide people's choices when it comes to which insects to eat. In some societies, certain insects are considered delicacies, while others are not consumed at all. For example, in the Brazilian Nordeste region, certain ants are hunted and eaten, while in other parts of the world, insects like palm weevils and grasshoppers are appreciated for their unique flavors.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
