Article
Food Science & Technology
Min Zhao, Cheng-Ye Wang, Long Sun, Zhao He, Pan-Li Yang, Huai-Jian Liao, Ying Feng
Summary: Edible aquatic insects have great potential as human food with unique characteristics, but their nutrition and food safety should be considered before consumption. Most aquatic edible insects are carnivorous animals, different from terrestrial insects in fat, fatty acid, amino acid, and mineral contents. It is not recommended to eat wild aquatic insects on a large scale, and standardized cultivation is preferred for those with high consumption.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Xueying Lin, Feifan Wang, Yuting Lu, Jiarui Wang, Jingwen Chen, Yingxin Yu, Xiaoyu Tao, Ying Xiao, Ye Peng
Summary: This review explores the potential of edible insects in addressing the challenges of malnutrition and food security, particularly in China. Edible insects offer a sustainable and ecologically friendly alternative to traditional protein sources, and China has a wide variety of insect species that are consumed with high nutritional value. Insect farming can provide multiple benefits, including green feeds, waste management, and raw materials. However, challenges such as allergies, food safety concerns, and consumer acceptance need to be addressed. Further research and awareness are necessary to promote the culture and utilization of edible insects in China.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Silvana Abril, Mariana Pinzon, Maria Hernandez-Carrion, Andrea del Pilar Sanchez-Camargo
Summary: The food industry is currently facing significant challenges due to the increasing global demand for convenient products. Studies show that the current food production system is unsustainable and alternative production methods are necessary. The trend is shifting towards consumption of natural and eco-friendly products with a beneficial nutritional profile. Insects are being considered as a potential raw material for food production due to their high protein content and sustainable production system. Countries like the United States, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Argentina have started developing and consuming insect-based products, which can contribute to solving the imminent food problem and achieving sustainable development goals.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Enming Zhang, Xin Ji, Fang Ouyang, Yang Lei, Shun Deng, Haibo Rong, Xuangen Deng, Hai Shen
Summary: Entomoceuticals are a subset of pharmaceuticals derived from insects. Their therapeutic effect has been validated through the use of folk medicines derived from insect secretions, body parts, and active ingredients. Insects have been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine and are also exploited for their health benefits and nutritional value in the food industry. This review focuses on 12 insect species used in traditional Chinese herbal formulae that have not been thoroughly studied for their biological properties, combining entomoceutical knowledge with recent advances in insect omics.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Yaxi Zhou, Diandian Wang, Shiqi Zhou, Hao Duan, Jinhong Guo, Wenjie Yan
Summary: This paper describes the nutritional composition and biological functions of edible insects, discussing their potential benefits for human health. The issues to be considered in the application of edible insects and their current status in food and pharmaceutical applications are also analyzed, along with regulations and future research and applications.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
A. van Huis, B. A. Rumpold, H. J. Van der Fels-Klerx, J. K. Tomberlin
Summary: The special issue on edible insects provides an overview of various aspects along the value chain, covering topics such as production, environmental impact, health benefits, and potential dangers. It also includes a discussion on the economics of the industry and the challenges it faces.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Roberto Ordonez-Araque, Nadine Quishpillo-Miranda, Luis Ramos-Guerrero
Summary: Edible insects are a potential substitute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the food industry, providing a sustainable and nutritious alternative for both humans and animals. The nutritional contributions of insects vary significantly according to species and developmental stage.
Review
Entomology
Jose E. Aguilar-Toala, Rosy G. Cruz-Monterrosa, Andrea M. Liceaga
Summary: Edible insects are a promising alternative food source with high nutritional value, but health benefits and food safety issues should be considered when consuming.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Arnold van Huis, Birgit Rumpold, Cassandra Maya, Nanna Roos
Summary: Insects are gaining interest as a sustainable and nutrient-rich protein source for human consumption. They provide suitable amounts of energy, protein, fatty acids, and micronutrients, contributing to improved diets and potentially reducing health risks. While food safety risks are low, strategies to promote the consumption of insect products include emphasizing sustainability, enhancing taste, and developing consumer-friendly insect products. This emerging sector faces challenges such as legislation, price reduction through automation, and exploring the health benefits of insect consumption.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF NUTRITION, VOL 41, 2021
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Laura Schiel, Christine Wind, Stephanie Krueger, Peggy G. Braun, Martin Koethe
Summary: Although there are currently no validated methods for determining the composition of edible insects, this study compares existing official analytical procedures to provide a basis for laboratories to verify and compare the composition of edible insects.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Ros-Baro, Violeida Sanchez-Socarras, Maria Santos-Pages, Anna Bach-Faig, Alicia Aguilar-Martinez
Summary: In recent years, studies on entomophagy in Western Europe have attracted the attention of researchers interested in improving the acceptability of insect consumption. This cross-sectional study conducted in the Mediterranean region explored factors related to acceptance among consumers. The results showed that only a small percentage of participants had tried eating insects, with disgust, lack of familiarity, and concerns about food safety being the main barriers. The study also found that the age group between 40 and 59 years was the most willing to consume insects. Informing people about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of edible insects could increase their willingness to include them in their diet in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Cindy Needham, Claudia Strugnell, Steven Allender, Laura Alston, Liliana Orellana
Summary: This study examines the association and temporal trends between the food environment and BMI of adults. The results show that BMI increases as accessibility to healthy outlets decreases. High access to supermarkets and unhealthy outlets are associated with lower BMI. The research highlights the importance of increasing access to diverse food outlets, particularly healthy ones, for promoting good health.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pinar Balkir, Kemal Kemahlioglu, Ufuk Yucel
Summary: Foodomics is a powerful tool for determining food constituents and nutrients at the molecular level. Recent research in the food area has been accelerated by using various omics disciplines such as proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. These researches are not only used for analyzing food constituents, but also for food authentication and evaluation of food safety and quality.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ivonne Lozano Munoz, Nelson F. Diaz
Summary: Adequate daily intake of minerals is crucial for preventing chronic diseases, and seaweeds are rich in minerals and have high nutritional value. The review aims to compare mineral contents in different edible seaweeds and determine their safety in foods and contribution to dietary intake.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Joel Fleurence
Summary: Seaweeds have been traditionally consumed by humans and the recent progress in biochemical and nutritional research of algal resources opens up new possibilities for their use in human and animal nutrition. Biotechnological approaches such as enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation and saccharification can improve the availability of algal proteins and also result in the production of other food compounds. These advancements provide opportunities for the development of new flavors and the creation of new foods and ingredients from algae.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arnold van Huis
JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marwa Shumo, Isaac M. Osuga, Fathiya M. Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Komi K. M. Fiaboe, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi, Arnold van Huis, Christian Borgemeister
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
B. A. Rumpold, A. van Huis
Summary: The concept of consuming insects as food has been reintroduced in recent years as a potential solution to malnutrition. Schools around the world are educating children about the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating insects, leading to a more positive attitude towards the idea. With the increasing commercial production of edible insects, there is a growing demand for skilled workers in the insect production industry.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Arnold van Huis
Summary: This study provides an overview of how ants, bees, wasps, and their products such as honey are utilized, perceived, and experienced in daily life across sub-Saharan Africa. The research findings reveal the important roles and medical value of these insects and their products in daily life. Furthermore, differences in the understanding and utilization of these insects exist among different regions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Arnold van Huis, Dennis G. A. B. Oonincx
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2017)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arnold van Huis
JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE
(2017)