Understanding entomophagy and its flaws

        I've come across a new concept. Entomophagy, I'm surprised people would even entertain such an idea. I find its better to understand your enemy's arguments rather than be blindsided by them. First insects contain fiber [1], which is strange considering that animal products are normally considered fiber free [2].

   Note, watch the ted video if you want a bias educational video touting the benefits. 80% protein, wow! Just shows while we are aiming for 10% protein others think 80% protein is awesome. That somehow carbohydrates have been demonized and protein has a halo.

    I'm linking some more links about entomophagy. I'm a fan of know your enemy's playbook.

     I find this particularly disturbing from a health point of view. "
Termite: 14.2 grams protein

Weevil: 6.7 grams protein" [3]

    From I understand that's 100% protein! This is a low-carb diet dream come true. The fact that the U.N. is pushing this in lieu of a more sensible vegetarian or vegan diet makes me nervous. [4].

    Just when I thought I could defeat any paleo argument for sure, comes along entomophagy. Its hard fighting against something you know nothing about. There is still little information, like how much cholesterol, saturated fat, etc that insects have.

      Here's my best guess, insects are probably slightly healthier and environmentally friendly than red meat. Yet, there doesn't seem any way there are healthy with those high protein contents. Vegan diets are almost certainty much healthier and environmentally friendly.

Links

1. http://ed.ted.com/lessons/should-we-eat-bugs-emma-bryce

2. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/zero-fiber-food-7968.html

3. http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/insects-nutritious-but-delicious.html

4. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130514-edible-insects-entomophagy-science-food-bugs-beetles/

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  • I don't understand your point regarding high protein. Eating something that's %100 protein doesn't mean that your entire diet is %100 protein. You would be eating other things as well. Outside of the the US, insects are a very common protein source. Been that way for a long time. From the UN standpoint, it may be more economical and sustainable than raising livestock. In developing countries where it's common to work long hours doing harsh manual labor, higher protein intake would be appropriate. That doesn't mean it's the healthiest way to eat. it's a matter of practicality.

    • "I don't understand your point regarding high protein. Eating something that's %100 protein doesn't mean that your entire diet is %100 protein." Frantz

      I'm afraid for the low carb followers' health. That they will aim to eat 80%+ protein in an attempt to be healthy. I can see it now, the new Atkins diet all termites and weevils. Just think of all the IGF-1 from 80%+ animal protein.

      "Animal protein consumption triggers the release of the cancer-promoting growth hormone IGF-1."

      As for developing countries animal products are better than starvation.

      http://nutritionfacts.org/video/protein-intake-and-igf-1-production/

      • I see what you're saying. I may be wrong but i doubt that insect consumption will become popular in the US. i hope the developing world adopts alternative growing practices like commercial greenhouses, hydroponics, straw bale farming etc, due to poor soil. I think there might be unintended consequences to large scale breeding of insects for food. Could be a horror movie;-)

        • Hahahhaha, that's good about the horror movie. My empathy for insects is lacking, but my fear of insects is high. Every since the killer bees, I haven't been a fan of honey, not out of love of bees but out of fear of retaliation. Flying, biting, and stinging death machines.

          Imagine GMO hornets, wasps, and bees buzzing around. Already there is talk of GMO salmon. People who would protest GMO pigs might not protest GMO insects and salmon.

          "While the debate over whether to label foods containing GMO ingredients plays out across the country, another engineered food has long been waiting to hit grocery stores: genetically modified salmon."

          http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/06/24/413755699/geneticall...

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