Should people eat bugs instead of meat?

Luis (Meat)

Eating meat will always be better than eating bugs for several reasons. The first one is the most obvious: it’s impossible to compare the taste of meat, which is one of the most delicious things people can consume. What’s even greater about meat is the existence of thousands of recipes and dishes where this one plays a major role, which shows how delicious it is for so many people around the world.

Another reason it’s better to eat meat instead of insects is protein. While some say bugs have enough protein for our bodies, meat contains a much more complete nutrient profile. This one includes a good amount of iron, vitamin B12, and essential amino acids. Additionally, in terms of eating habits, meat is a cultural preference in almost every nation worldwide since it has been part of their culture for centuries, creating an attachment to meat as the main food source. 

Moreover, bugs are less accessible and available than meat, and eating them can cause parasitic infections. This happens when the insect you are eating is carrying parasites, which can cause severe abdominal pain, skin rashes, and respiratory problems. Bugs exoskeletons also contain chitin, which can become indigestible, creating a buildup that ferments inside our gut. 

Finally, one of the main problems of eating bugs instead of meat is that it could eventually ruin the meat industry. This represents a serious issue as this industry provides jobs and income for many. While people are free to eat whatever they want, it’s a fact that eating meat is a better option than eating insects.

Maha (Bugs)

The idea of eating insects may not be for the faint of heart. However, it should be on the to-do list of anyone who wishes to lead a healthy, sustainable life.

Firstly, edible bugs provide incredible nutritional value. They can supply as much dietary iron as beef, if not more. A study by Rikkyo University and the University of Oxford uncovered that insect nutritional composition is more diverse than commonly consumed meats. Insects like crickets and mealworms had a healthier score than both beef and chicken. Edible insects further tick off several nutritional boxes, such as iron, zinc, calcium, protein, and magnesium. They also include antioxidants that can prevent molecular damage and several diseases. And the best part is that edible bugs have fewer calories and less fat than most meat-based dishes. More specifically, insects are rich in unsaturated fat, the healthier type of fat. 

Dietary benefits aside, eating insects can help the environment by decreasing the demand for meat production. Around 80% of global farmlands are used for livestock despite animals accounting for only 18% of global calorie consumption. People can reduce the pressure to expand livestock operations by switching from meat to edible bugs. In turn, this will significantly lower the risks of natural destruction and the extinction of several species. 

The world won’t go hungry; insects can easily reproduce and multiply quickly. Crickets alone take 10-12 weeks to reach maturity once they hatch. All of this is just scratching the surface, as eating insects can also help control climate change and empower farmers with a stable income. So, maybe it’s time to add bugs to the plate.