As the world is moving rapidly into the so-called “fourth Industrial Revolution,” one of the topics that quickly pops up into the regular lives of people under this massive and world-changing event is food and the prospect of supplementing one’s diet with bugs.
The very idea of having to eat creepy things, is gaining ground under this “revolution.” And even though “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), we can surely be surprised at what many of these ideas are suggesting.
For instance, let’s think of a typical lunch box menu during a usual lunch break: a vegetarian burger or a tasty lentil patty prepared and residing within a whole grain bun with vegan mayo and organic ketchup, plus good veggies to complete the meal, or perhaps a nice baked potato, or a health-conscious homemade fruit smoothie. I bet many of you are drooling by now, but just imagine all these with an extra ingredient—insect-derived by-products. Yes, you read that right.
In many countries, there are food processing plants that manufacture insect-derived flour from the larvae of a particular kind of fly, processed and ground to powder for human consumption. Experts say bugs are a climate-friendly and nutrient-rich alternative to typical animal proteins, but when it comes to Western cultures, the “ick” factor is standing in the way of an insect-inclusive diet.
Eating insects is nothing new. We find that almost every country has in its cultural history the inclusion of bugs for food. Even in the Bible, the Lord allowed the consumption of certain kinds of insects for food.
However, in a new world order, having an insect-based diet as a regular meal is a totally new concept. In spite of this trend, we need to be mindful of the counsel we are given regarding a vegan diet and the possible side effects of including bugs in the food we eat.
Insects Contain Chitin
Chitin (poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine), in general, is a biopolymer, very common in nature. It is mainly produced by fungi, arthropods and nematodes. The list also includes crustaceans, arachnids, algae, and, of course, insects. Insects carry this element not only in their body’s structural frame which supports their exoskeletons and trachea where it may be present in amounts ranging up to 60%, but it is a part of the lining of the epithelium in their digestive system as well. Here, the average chitin content in a number of different species is reported to be 33%.
What Are the Dangers of Chitin?
In general, chitin is not toxic to humans. However, things can change when humans are exposed to a high degree of chitin, particularly when found in food.
For instance, a whiff of chitin inhaled triggers an immune response in the lungs, likely causing a reaction similar to being attacked by fungal spores. In some people, that reaction goes haywire, leading to dangerous inflammation and asthma.
Dietary chitosan may influence calcium metabolism by accelerating its urinary excretion. The reported undesirable effects are a marked decrease in the level of vitamin E in the body’s plasma, reduction in bone mineral content, and growth retardation.
Insects also contain ecdysteroids. These are a type of steroidal hormone present also in certain water animals and some plants. In insects, they control various life-cycle processes. Ecdysterone has a similar chemical structure to testosterone, the male androgen. Due to this action, eating insects or insect derived products may interfere in the long run with human hormone metabolism.
At any rate, there are many things we can continue discussing about changing forms of standardized diets. Yet, for myself, I appreciate more God’s wonderful healthy lifestyle and diet program—found in His word—based on fruits, nuts, seeds, cereals, and vegetables for a healthy and happy life.
Resources: The National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23955853, 3786550, and 31102246
Esteban Salazar is a preventive medicine and lifestyle coach with more than 25 years of experience. His work has expanded as an international speaker and featured guest in many TV and radio shows around the world. He has a bachelor’s degree in Health Ministries and Nutrition from Hartland College in Virginia and also completed farther studies at the E. I. Institute of Applied Chemistry in Mittlesinn, Germany. He enjoys country living with his wife Maritza in the sierra region of Ecuador, South America. He loves playing the piano, traveling, and vegan cuisine.