Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
Imagine biting into an egg waffle, only to find out it is made from crickets! It might sound like a joke, but eating insects is good for your health and the planet.
Insects provide protein
Many people eat rice, noodles or bread every day. These carbohydrates are the fuel that gets us through a busy day.
But we also need protein. It is vital for your growth, muscle recovery and metabolism.
Cows, chickens, pigs and other livestock have long been our main protein sources. But they can be harmful to the environment.
Raising cattle requires huge amounts of land, water and feed. It also creates greenhouse gas emissions and pollutes the water.
Scientists have been developing meat alternatives made from plants or grown in a lab. But plant-based meats often need to be processed in factories. Growing meat in a lab is expensive and uses a lot of energy.
This is why researchers are turning to a natural, low-tech and efficient protein source: insects. Some may find this idea strange, but nearly 2 billion people globally eat insects every day. Researchers have found that over 2,000 insect species are safely consumed worldwide (see graphic).
Many species are rich in vitamins and essential minerals, such as iron, zinc and phosphorus. They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are the same brain-boosting healthy fats found in fish.
The future of food
The idea of eating insects may seem scary. But food scientists are working on ways to make them more approachable. For example, insects can be ground into fine powders to be mixed into other foods. Adding insects to our recipes could be a smart step towards a sustainable future.
Want to see what’s next on the menu? Visit the Hong Kong Science Museum’s “Living Tech Gallery” to discover how living technologies are revolutionising our diets and saving the future of food.
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