Insect as a promising food source: implications for sustainable consumption across species. a review

Abstract

Insects provide a crucial source of nutrients for human beings and many other animal species. Several insects, such as black soldier flies, house crickets, fruit flies, houseflies, and mealworms, play crucial roles in providing essential micronutrients. Processing can transform insects into different formats, including pastes, powders, and meals. Edible insects (black soldier fly, crickets) have their potential to be farmed by using organic food waste, including manure, compost, and vegetable scraps unsuitable for individual consumption. Eating insects appears to have a lower environmental impact in relation to climate change compared to raising cattle, pigs, or chickens. Consuming insects appears to offer a sustainable solution for fulfilling the nutritional needs of our expanding global community. To better comprehend the potential socio-economic advantages of insect gathering and farming, further investigation is necessary to determine how these practices can improve food security in low-income contexts. Insects appear to raise minimal concerns regarding animal welfare, though the extent to which they may experience discomfort and pain remains unclear.