Consuming insects is already an everyday practice for two billion people worldwide, largely in the global east and south. Rearing them uses less land, energy, water and produces fewer greenhouse gases than traditional meats like chicken and beef, and more of their body is digestible (80-100 percent, compared to only 40 percent for beef).
They are also better for us: they are rich in protein, fat, and energy and can be a significant source of vitamins and minerals. But the Western world has still not embraced this wonder food.
Researchers think they know why: the 'disgust' factor. Insects are gross. The more interesting question is: given the enormous benefits, how can we convince people to get over the grossness?
The article argues that eating sushi and lobster was once considered disgusting, too.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 16 2019, @07:33PM
People say "education", but it is not directly education, but rather the 2 following consequences:
1/ More years of schooling before "entering the adult world"
2/ Ability to get a job and earn decent money on her own
Both have the effect of delaying when a woman marries to start a family.
In Western societies, women may wait so long that they are borderline infertile when they decide to marry. Certainly they are old enough that there are less fertile years. Plus it is hard to be a careerwoman and
mother. It can be done, sure, but it's not easy. This will limit the number of children the woman wants (or feels able) to have.