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Guiné RPF, Florença SG, Costa CA, Correia PMR, Boustani NM, Matran I, Jakšić K, Chuck-Hernández C, Bartkiene E, Djekic I, Papageorgiou M, Arias LG, Korzeniowska M, Černelič-Bizjak M, Klava D, Ferreira V, Damarli E, Ferreira M. Consumers' Perceptions about Edible Insects' Nutritional Value and Health Effects: Study Involving 14 Countries. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1631. [PMID: 38891678 PMCID: PMC11171305 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects have been consumed for time immemorial in many regions of the globe. However, in other parts, they are not traditionally eaten. Because they are a more sustainable source of animal protein and provide valuable nutrients as well as bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on the human body, their consumption is encouraged. Knowledge can serve as a tool for better acceptance of insects as food. In this context, the present work investigated the knowledge about the nutritional value and health effects of edible insects in different countries. Data were collected by employing a questionnaire survey translated into the different languages of all participating countries and were treated using statistical tools. A total of 7222 responses were obtained. The results indicated that for many issues, the participants manifested a neutral opinion (neither agree nor disagree), but the participants who manifested agreement/disagreement were generally well informed. They were also able to identify untrue facts and answer accordingly by disagreeing. Factor analysis showed four groups of questions: nutritive value, negative perception and risks, safety and benefits of insects and contamination and harmful components. Finally, significant differences were observed according to the sociodemographic variables studies (sex, age, education, living environment and country), with age and country being the most influential of the sociodemographic factors on knowledge. Therefore, increasing knowledge is envisaged as an essential factor in augmenting the recognition of edible insects as a nutritional food, presenting health benefits apart from being a more sustainable source of animal protein when compared with beef or pork meats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel P. F. Guiné
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (S.G.F.); (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
| | - Sofia G. Florença
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (S.G.F.); (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
| | - Cristina A. Costa
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (S.G.F.); (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
| | - Paula M. R. Correia
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (S.G.F.); (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
| | - Nada M. Boustani
- Faculty of Business and Administration, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Irina Matran
- Department of Community Nutrition and Food Safety, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Krešimir Jakšić
- Department of Psychology, University of Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia;
| | | | - Elena Bartkiene
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Ilija Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Maria Papageorgiou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Leticia G. Arias
- BALAT Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Malgorzata Korzeniowska
- Faculty of Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Maša Černelič-Bizjak
- Department of Nutritional Counseling—Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, University of Primorska, 6320 Izola, Slovenia;
| | - Dace Klava
- Faculty of Food Technology, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia;
| | - Vanessa Ferreira
- Department of Nutrition, School of Nursing, UFMG—Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Brazil;
| | - Emel Damarli
- Altıparmak Food Coop Research & Development Center, Çekmeköy, Istanbul 34782, Turkey
| | - Manuela Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal;
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Siddiqui SA, Li C, Aidoo OF, Fernando I, Haddad MA, Pereira JA, Blinov A, Golik A, Câmara JS. Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15938. [PMID: 37206028 PMCID: PMC10189416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing Str. 7, 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
- Corresponding author. Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany.
| | - Chujun Li
- Guangzhou Unique Biotechnology Co., Ltd, 510663, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, 00233, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Ito Fernando
- Department of Plant Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Moawiya A. Haddad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19117, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Jorge A.M. Pereira
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrey Blinov
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Andrey Golik
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - José S. Câmara
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Corresponding author. CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
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Edible insects: As traditional medicine for human wellness. FUTURE FOODS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2023.100219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
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Miguéns-Gómez A, Sierra-Cruz M, Rodríguez-Gallego E, Beltrán-Debón R, Blay MT, Terra X, Pinent M, Ardévol A. Effect of an Acute Insect Preload vs. an Almond Preload on Energy Intake, Subjective Food Consumption and Intestinal Health in Healthy Young Adults. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071463. [PMID: 35406076 PMCID: PMC9002463 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein is considered the most satiating macronutrient, and its effect on satiety and food intake is source-dependent. For the first time, we compared the effect of the administration of an insect or almond preload, both containing 20 g of protein, on appetite and food intake in human subjects. Participants consumed both foods and a vehicle as a liquid preload on three separate days. They were then offered a breakfast and lunch buffet meal at which food intake was measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires were completed following the three preloads to assess appetite and other sensations. At breakfast, reduced energy intake was observed for both preloads compared with vehicle. At lunch, food intake only differed in the insect group, which consumed more than the vehicle. Insect preload increased the total amount of protein ingested with a slight increase in total energy consumed, differently than almond, which significantly increased total protein and energy consumed. There was no correlation between indigestion-sensation ratings and food intake. Moreover, the insect preload resulted in lower sleepiness and tiredness ratings compared with the almond preload. Thus, insect-derived protein may be suitable as a safe ingredient for snacks intended for elderly or infirm patients who require increased protein intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Miguéns-Gómez
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Marta Sierra-Cruz
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Esther Rodríguez-Gallego
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Raúl Beltrán-Debón
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - M Teresa Blay
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ximena Terra
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Pinent
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-977559566
| | - Anna Ardévol
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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