The global population is expected to reach a whopping 11 billion people by the end of this century. That’s a whole lot of mouths to feed. In this video, The Economist explains why eating bugs is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to increase the world’s food supply. Take a look for yourself:
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So to break that down for you, here’s why eating bugs could save the world someday:
Bugs are healthier than meat is.
Edible insects contain essential vitamins like protein, calcium, fiber, iron, and zinc. A serving of grasshoppers has the same amount of protein as a serving of steak does — but the grasshoppers have way less fat and calories.
Raising bugs is inexpensive.
Harvesting insects requires very little technology and requires less land and water than raising livestock does. This means countries that can’t afford to raise livestock will be able to raise bugs — and, in the process, create more job opportunities for their residents.
Eating bugs is good for the environment.
Insects are a more sustainable source of food than livestock is. Livestock production produces a ton of greenhouse gas emissions — even more than driving cars does! — and this harms the environment. Raising insects generates far fewer emissions.
Sounds pretty convincing, right? The only downside is that, well, bugs are gross. Nobody wants to be like that kid in their kindergarten class who always ate bugs during recess.
The Economist has a solution to combat our disgust, though. They suggest extracting protein from insects and using it in our food products — like frozen meals and sauces — so that way we don’t need to see the physical insect before consuming it.
What do you think? Would you eat willingly eat a bug? Sound off in the comments below!
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