Insects on your plate? Or maybe a small caterpillar? Before you scream and throw your meal out the window, take a minute to read the following, you might be surprised.
So, did you find a little six-legged friend in your cereal bowl this morning? Before heading to the bathroom to vomit or going to the nearest emergency room, take a deep breath. You may find it disgusting, but these little creatures may not be the nightmare you imagine.
I have swallowed a maggot or a fly. Is this dangerous to my health?
Well, the good news is that eating a bug or two (or ten) won’t turn you into a superhero with bug powers, or give you sentience. In fact, these little creatures are completely harmless once they’re in our stomachs. In fact, according to entomologist and food scientist Skye Blackburn, “it doesn’t hurt to eat it and it’s just a nutritional supplement.” ProteinsShe even adds thatThe average person consumes about a quarter of a kilogram of insects In his diet every year!
What would happen if you ate an insect?
Besides the opportunity to tell an exciting story to your friends at your next dinner party, eating insects can actually be a real treat Good for your health. Insects are Low in fat and calories, But it is rich in protein, fiber and minerals. Many cultures around the world regularly consume insects such as locusts and beetles, which are a sustainable and nutritious source of protein. In fact, eating insects can provide a range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Reassured?
Here are the different types of insects that are likely to inhabit your pantry:
- Grain weevil (Cytophilus) These small insects are usually found in grains such as rice. They have a long “snout” and use their proboscis to pierce grains and lay their eggs. Once hatched, the larvae remain inside the grain until they turn into adults.
- Flour beetles (Tribolium): These beetles are often found in flour and other ground products. It is small in size and reddish-brown in colour. The larvae look like small white worms and feed on terrestrial products.
- Flour moth larvae (Evestea or Plodia): These moths lay their eggs in foods such as dried fruits, nuts, and grains. The larvae, which resemble small white worms, spin web-like threads around the food they infect.
If you really don’t like it, here’s how to avoid eating it next time
Prevention is key to avoiding insect infestation. Check your pantry regularly for signs of infestation. When purchasing, check packages for insects or suspicious signs. Once home, transfer the food to airtight containers. Use natural repellents, such as basil leaves LaurelIt can also help keep insects out of your kitchen. And remember to take one last look before downing a box of pills in one go when you’re not fully awake in the morning…