Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.T009
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, T009 (2022)
Edible insects as pro-health and pro-environmental functional food
Adam S. Grdeń1*, Robert Waraczewski1, Paula Grdeń2, Bartosz G. Sołowiej1
1 Department of Dairy Technology and Functional Foods, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704, Lublin, Poland
2 Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704, Lublin, Poland
* Correspondence author: adam.grden@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Current issues in agriculture include the ever-increasing global population, which generates a much higher demand for quality food. According to FAO estimates, there will be 9 billion people living in the world by 2050. In order to cover their demand for food, its production must increase by up to 60%. Livestock farming, which is the main source of protein for humans, occupies 70% of agricultural land and 30% of all land. To obtain 1 kg of animal protein, 6 kg of plant protein must be supplied in feed. In addition, animal production requires large amounts of land, electricity and water, while producing large amounts of greenhouse gases. The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature in search of a solution to the above problems, which could be the farming of edible insects. Insects are a novelty in highly developed countries, but in some countries of Asia, Africa and South America they have been consumed for many years. Insects require much less natural resources to obtain 1 kg of protein, take up much less space and are independent of seasonality or weather conditions, and waste from the food industry can be used as feed, which makes their farming very environmentally sustainable. In addition, edible insects show high nutritional value through their high protein, vitamin and mineral content, and also exhibit a number of health-promoting properties such as antioxidant properties. Thanks to these properties, edible insects may represent a valuable new functional food in line with current nutritional trends.y or overweight may improve the effects of pharmacotherapy and diet therapy of these diseases and not cause side effects.
How to cite
A.S. Grdeń, R. Waraczewski, P. Grdeń, B.G. Sołowiej, 2022. Edible insects as pro-health and pro-environmental functional food. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/T009