Could Eating Bugs Solve World Hunger?
Could this be the answer?
Scientists Think So!
Creepy crawlies could be the key to solving world hunger — by eating them as food.
Just like their name suggests, the slimy creatures can be turned into grub. South Korean scientists have cooked mealworms, or beetle larvae, along with sugar to create “meat” — and they claim it tastes authentic.
Recently, eating insects has become of interest because of the increasing cost of animal protein, as well as the associated environmental issues.
Because the global population is approximated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 — a large jump from our current nearly 8 billion population — meat alternatives are highly sought after due to their effect on the environment.
Climate change is partially fueled by cow emissions — due to the methane they produce — hence the need for beef substitutes.
For those who aren’t willing to part with their burgers, the scientists might have found the solution with the mealworms: grinding them up and seasoning them to taste just like the real thing.
The critters are a great source of nutrients the body needs, similar to that of meat, according to researchers, and have been shown to reduce cholesterol and inflammation while improving heart rhythms, according to researchers.
The worms had more similarities to food than just smells — chemicals formed that researchers said were similar to those found in meat or seafood. When mixed with sugar, they brewed a “meat-like” concoction.
