Why are insects so creepy to us? A few are poisonous, so we definitely have to be alert to that. Some are just bothersome (I’m looking at you, fleas!). But aren’t some of our food animals bothersome? Ever been pinched by a crab or lobster? Or stepped on an oyster shell? Oh and if you live in Texas as I do, you certainly are aware of the danger of wild hogs.
So what is it with eating insects that bugs (ha! you know I had to do it) us so much?
People in other cultures eat insects as a source of food. The U.N. is recommending that citizens of the earth eat more bugs, citing these reasons:
- Nutrition: Insects contain ?good fats?, can be rich in calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, and are an excellent source of fiber.
- Environment: Most insects produce fewer environmentally harmful greenhouse gases, and also feed on human and food waste, compost and animal slurry. Double yum!
- Economic: The insect farming industry could hit it big if demand grows. Job creators!
Let me add a huge benefit: easy maintenance and “hunting.” Living where I live, I could just walk outside and collect our dinner of grasshoppers!
The only “con” to eating insects is consumer disgust.
Could we?become accustomed to eating bugs??Should we?
Watch this short video. There is a much longer full documentary video from BBC embedded at the bottom of this article if you want to go in-depth. Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page.
Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
