EDIBLE INSECTS AS A SOURCE OF NUTRIENTS THE HUMAN NUTRITION

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyze the state of knowledge about the nutrient content of edible insects and utilization for human consumption of the West. The article uses the latest reports published in scientific journals in the world. The paper presents the content of nutrients (proteins, lipids, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, fiber) in the analyzed edible insects. The results show a huge potential of edible insects. For many population of the world edible insects ate the primary source of nutrients and is not due to a lack of other food but because of the special taste and are treated almost as delights. Entomophagy (eating insects) is practiced mainly in the subtropical climate zone. In terms of protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, edible insects surpass previously known to us foods and may become an unconventional and alternative source of food for Europe.