A content creator named Ashok (@_masalalab) on social media Instagram has shared a video about this African mosquito burger. In this video, Ashok says, “In a video that went viral recently, people in Africa are seen eating burgers made from mosquitoes. One patty in this burger is made from nearly six million mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that breed near Lake Victoria during monsoons are used for this.”

“Many people may find the idea of ​​eating insects very disgusting, and of course most will also think that eating such food is not healthy. However, you are thinking very wrongly.” Ashoka further says this. However, let us know what the experts think about eating these kinds of mosquitoes and insects…

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What do experts say about eating insects?

Ipsita Chakraborty, senior dietitian at Hungry Koala, agrees with Ashok. “Insects are rich in nutrients. Often the amount of protein in them is even higher than the amount in traditional meat. “Insects are a source of high-quality protein, and they also contain essential amino acids,” she says.

According to nutritionist Chakraborty, insects contain various vitamins like B-12 and riboflavin, essential minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium. “Some insects also contain nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Not only this, insects also contain a fiber called chitin, which is useful for digestion,” she says.

How did the global culture of eating insects develop?

“Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has existed for many years in Africa, Asia, Latin America. However, Western society has always hated this practice. But now this situation has changed and many people are starting to look at insects as a healthy and sustainable source of food to eat”, said Chakraborty.

Eating insects is commonplace, and going beyond the constraints of tradition and new culinary ideas can be important to raise awareness about it.

Environmental benefits of feeding with insect farming

Insect farming is a much more sustainable option than animal husbandry. “Insects produce very little greenhouse gas compared to pigs and cattle; So they can act as a source of protein, being environmentally friendly”, says Chakraborty.

Second, compared to conventional animal feeding, the need to feed insects is minimal. Even so, insects can provide abundant protein.

What are the things to watch out for when eating insects?

“As with every food, safety is important when eating insects. Although most of the insects are less dangerous and edible, consumption of certain insects can also lead to allergic reactions”, says Chakraborty. Insect farming is done in uncontrolled environments. Therefore, insects may contain pesticides, heavy metals or various contaminants. However, nutritionist Chakraborty says that it is important to strictly follow the rules to eliminate such problems, according to an article in The Indian Express.