Insects have recently received much attention as sustainable protein sources due to their nutritional value and eco-friendliness. Unlike conventional livestock, insects require minimal resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, insects offer high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals. This study in Spain, specifically in Castilla y León, investigated insect consumption acceptance across age groups, particularly among older individuals, shedding light on factors influencing adoption. The findings inform strategies to address global protein deficiencies and advocate sustainable food practices, with implications for broader European research amidst challenges like water scarcity. A survey-based research approach collected data on attitudes, preferences, and motivations regarding insect consumption. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify demographic trends and significant associations. : Elderly participants expressed reluctance towards insect consumption but showed openness in survival scenarios. Younger individuals exhibited greater willingness to try insects, influenced by factors such as education and previous experiences. Understanding demographic variations in attitudes towards entomophagy is vital for fostering its acceptance. This study demonstrated that older individuals exhibit greater resistance to incorporating insects into their diets compared with younger individuals. Recommended strategies include incorporating insects discreetly into familiar foods and highlighting their nutritional advantages. Collaboration between researchers and stakeholders is essential for harnessing the potential of insects as a sustainable protein source.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods13162641 | DOI Listing |
J Sci Food Agric
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thailand.
Background: Edible insects are used for consumption and traditional medicine due to their rich bioactive compounds. This study examined the bioactive compounds and inhibitory effects of crude extracts from Bombyx mori and Omphisa fuscidentalis on α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and tyrosinase. Fatty acids, including n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid, were identified in the extracts and evaluated for their inhibitory potential against the enzymes in vitro and in silico.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl)
January 2025
Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
The objective of this study was to examine the impact of black soldier fly larval oil (BSFO) on feed consumption, nutritional digestibility, ruminal characteristics and methane (CH) estimation in Thai-indigenous steers. Four male Thai native steers (Bos indicus) weighing 383 ± 9.0 kg were used in this investigation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFoods
December 2024
Research and Development Center, Insilicogen Inc., Yongin 16954, Republic of Korea.
The increasing global population and the environmental consequences of meat consumption have led to the exploration of alternative sources of protein. Edible insects have gained attention as a sustainable and nutritionally rich meat alternative. We investigated the effects of two commonly consumed insects, larva and pupa, on beneficial gut microbiota growth, using whole 16s metagenome sequencing to assess diet-associated changes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFood Res Int
January 2025
Laboratory of Commodities and Territorial Analysis, Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via S. Angelo, Loc. Folcara, 03043 Cassino, (FR), Italy.
The potential use of edible insects as an alternative animal protein source has recently attracted a great deal of attention in Western countries. This is thanks to their numerous nutritional benefits, in particular in terms of vitamins and essential amino acids, and the need to guarantee food availability for the growing population. The aim of this scoping review is to analyse the current literature published in scientific journals regarding the main issues related to products containing edible insects, to map existing evidence and identify knowledge gaps.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMalar J
January 2025
Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
Background: Malaria incidence in the Greater Mekong Subregion has been on the decline, and most remaining malaria risk in the region is concentrated among hard-to-reach populations, especially those with exposure to forested areas. New vector control tools focused on outdoor protection in forest settings are needed for these populations.
Methods: The delivery of a 'forest pack' containing a volatile pyrethroid spatial repellent (VPSR), a topical repellent, and pyrethroid treatment of clothing was evaluated in an operational study in Cambodia.
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