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Earth’s population is expected to hit 8.5 billion in 2030 and is at 7.7 billion now. Hunger and starvation are issues that grow every day. However, researchers at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis discovered that yellow mealworms can be used as food for both humans and animals. Not to mention that their waste makes an organic fertilizer.
Christine Picard, an associate professor of biology at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, stated that “Human populations are continuing to increase, and the stress on protein production is increasing at an unsustainable rate, not even considering climate change.”
Many animal diets already consist of mealworms and adding them to the human diet may not be a stretch according to Piccard. Piccard said, “They could also be really useful in the pet food industry as an alternative protein source, chickens like insects – and maybe one day humans, too, because it’s an alternative source of protein.”
Many cultures exist that already consume mealworms along with other foods. The suggestion of eating mealworms was made on Twitter and many seemed far from accepting of the idea. Although there are the brave few who considered or even tried them as well.
People on Twitter were quoted saying ” I think I will stick to my pizza/pasta diet for a while longer…” and one even joked that they were poorly named due to the amount it takes to feel full.
While sustainable food options are essential for the survival of the Earth, many are skeptical to even try mealworms. While others in different cultures, eat them without a second thought. It is truly a testament to human nature, and that all a person knows is what they are taught.
Written by Joseph Nelson
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Source:
Fox News: Mealworms show promise as sustainable food source, scientists say
Featured Image Courtesy of OakleyOriginals’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Ian Southwell’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
