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insects: the sustainable protein of the future?

as the global population continues to grow, reaching an estimated 9 billion people by 2050, the question of how we will feed everyone becomes more pressing. our current methods of food production may not be able to keep up with demand, especially when it comes to raising cattle, which requires a lot of food, land, and water but yields little edible meat in return. an economist article states that “a cow takes 8 kg (17.6 lbs.) of feed to produce 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) of beef, but only 40% of the cow can be eaten.”

so, what will we eat in the future? will humans really be eating insects such as crickets and grasshoppers? the answer might surprise you. insects are a sustainable protein source that could help alleviate the food crisis looming on the horizon. they are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and require much less land, water, and feed than traditional livestock. in fact, according to the food and agriculture organization of the united nations (fao), insects can convert feed into protein more efficiently than cattle, pigs, or chickens.

entomophagy, or the practice of eating insects, is not a new concept. insects have been a part of the human diet for centuries in many cultures around the world. however, in western societies, the idea of eating insects is often met with disgust and fear. but as the world population grows and resources become scarcer, we may need to reconsider our attitudes towards this sustainable protein source.

insects are not only a sustainable protein source, but they also have a lower environmental impact than traditional livestock. they produce fewer greenhouse gases, require less water, and can be raised on organic waste, such as food scraps and agricultural byproducts. this makes them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for food production.

but how do insects taste? according to those who have tried them, insects can have a nutty, earthy flavor and a crunchy texture. they can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, roasting, and grilling, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to burgers to stir-fries.

if you're still not convinced about the idea of eating insects, consider this: as the world population grows and resources become scarcer, we may need to find alternative sources of protein to feed everyone. insects are a sustainable, eco-friendly, and nutritious option that could help alleviate the food crisis looming on the horizon. so, the next time you're looking for a protein source, why not give insects a try?

sources for this article:

  • the economist, “the future of food: how to feed the world in 2050”
  • food and agriculture organization of the united nations (fao), “edible insects: future prospects for food and feed security”
  • be amazed, “is this the future of food? experts say we'll be eating these 10 foods by 2050”
  • buzzfeedvideo, “people try food of the future”
  • bright side: health, “7 food combinations that can ruin your health”
  • the infographics show, “what will we eat in the future?”

backlinks:

  • "https://www.schooltube.com/can-eating-bugs-save-the-planet/"
  • "https://www.schooltube.com/the-case-for-eating-bugs-a-sustainable-food-source/"
  • "https://www.schooltube.com/the-blue-revolution-feeding-the-world-with-aquaculture/"

check out these videos for more information on the future of food and sustainable protein sources:

  • be amazed, “is this the future of food? experts say we'll be eating these 10 foods by 2050”
  • buzzfeedvideo, “people try food of the future”
  • bright side: health, “7 food combinations that can ruin your health”
  • the infographics show, “what will we eat in the future?”

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