The high nutritional value of insects is not new news to everyone, the protein level in insects easily wins all other types of meats. For instance, the average insect is half made up of protein by dry weight and others (such as locusts) being as much as 75% made up of protein.
This sounds like good news for all our gym junkies as you now have a “real food” alternative by using insects to supplement or entirely replace protein shakes commonly used for bulking up and toning up. Just like how protein powders are added into smoothies and milkshakes, insects can also be blended into a powder form and used in a similar fashion.
DAILY LIVES
We care for all of our NSmen! Being a country with a defense force consisting of our citizens, the military lies close to our hearts. Since the military has already taught men on how to kill quails, frogs and other animals when they are out in the wild with no other food choices, insects are actually another excellent alternative especially since training happens at places where insects thrive and grow. Perhaps eating insects should not only be the privilege of the fortunate soldiers that attend jungle training courses.
However, we acknowledge that research must be done to establish the kinds of insects we can consume and that education on how to identify the edible kinds of insects is crucial especially in the outfield environment that our soldiers experience.
MILITARY
Entomophagy (or insect eating) has its origin from prehistoric time as hunters and gatherers started to eat bugs to survive. Our ancestors probably learnt which insects are edible based on their observations of diet cues from animals.
Prehistoric Times
Applications
Insects are of abundance around the world and have been used for medical reasons for many decades. Research even shows that insects may be used to cure cancer in the future though it is still very much in the testing phases. However, there are many ways that we can eat insects on our own for better health.
For example, it was found that Blister beetles secreted a substance called cantharidan which helped alleviate pain for people experiences kidney stones, urinary tract infections and burns. Perhaps, in this case, blister beetles would be an suitable replacement for individuals allergic to paracetamol or just anyone in general that does not like to rely on the usage of painkillers. It is also discovered to be a protein blocker that can be used to fight infections and appeared to attack infected cells.
Other studies conclude that eating insects could also help fight against obesity and its related diseases. Insects contain low fat content compared to other meats we typically consume such as beef, making it an ideal meal for individuals who need to watch their diet.
MEDICINE
History of Entomophagy
IMPACTS
SOCIAL ASPECT.
This new phenomenon of eating insects could be a bridging point for thrill seekers out there to bond and forge relations. This holds especially true in the local context where Singaporeans are always up for hunting down on new interesting foods to try out.
​
Additionally, there has been a negative notion surrounding eating insects for the longest time as it has always known to be disgusting and uncultured. The introduction of this could actually encourage openness and break away from our old conservative ways.
ECONOMIC
ASPECT.
With global food prices being on the rise and meat prices being one of which that is greatly affected, it seems to make sense that we should switch to consuming insects instead as they are so much more efficient to gather and produce.
​
Furthermore, the F&B industry in Singapore is still growing and expanding. To introduce novelty food items such as insects would pique the interests of consumers helping us to generate more revenue. Of course, we believe that there is a potential for the development for entomophagy and it is not only confined to the walls of a restaurant. A whole field dedicated to entomophagy can be created. For instance, research work can be done into the various insects that are more suitable for our consumption and a whole team in the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore can be tasked to ensure that the insects bred or brought into Singapore are of a certain quality. This in turn creates new professions for locals and even foreign expats to come to Singapore and take on the challenge, increasing our country's economic growth capacity.
TECHNOLOGICAL
ASPECT.
If the entomophagy industry does take off, the demand for machines that can make the manufacturing, breeding or gathering process of insects easier would be high.
​
Thus, this could spur the development of such technologies to help us. It could even go as far as helping us in certifying if an insect is poisonous and safe for consumption. This would be a great tool for the military (previously discussed in applications above) as the soldiers can consume insects without a worry.
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASPECT.
Eating insects is not only beneficial to our own health but extremely rewarding towards the environment as well! For example, with 10kg of food, it results in only one kg of food and the rest being waste that is manure.
​
However, if we produce insects, we will have way lesser manure as compared to per kilogram of meat produced. Additionally, much less ammonia and fewer green gases are being produced this way making a significant reduction on the rate we are affecting the climate.​
IMPLICATIONS
FOOD SAFETY
There are currently no food regulation laws regarding insects in Singapore. However, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) will definitely react to the introduction of an entomophagy restaurant to Singapore.
​
​
​
In food production, safety is paramount. The mistakes made in the livestock industry (e.g. the overuse of antibiotics) should serve as a lesson for insect rearers. Disease management strategies need to be preventive in nature. Human hazards related to production should be circumvented, such as passive vectoring of pathogens and the development of allergies among personnel in production units. The rearing system design should also minimize sensitivity to disease. Risk guidelines as well as sanitary standards need to be developed and implemented for each species.