Today, human consumption of insects is practiced in 113 countries around the world. We know that more than 2,000 species of insects can be eaten. Mostly beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps and ants are eaten. After that, the men also eat grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, icadas, bed bugs, termites, dragonflies, flies, and many other species. Insects are eaten more in Africa, Asia and Latin America. On the other hand, the consumption of insects is very low in Europe. From a nutritional point of view, insects can be compared to animal meat.

Eating insects is risky when they feed on organic waste. Some insects contain toxic substances such as cyanogenic glycosides. Catching locusts and locusts without removing the legs can lead to intestinal blockage. Eating insects can also cause allergic reactions. There are some that have a chitinous coating on the outside that is difficult for humans to digest. There are types of insects that can transmit some infectious diseases to humans. Some scientific research has shown that insects could be included in the daily diet of Italians in the future. Insects can also be used as a nutritional supplement for some diets such as those of athletes.

Is eating insects good for cholesterol? It’s also hard to give an answer because science has been doing some research for several years on the role of insects when you have high cholesterol. Like all carbohydrates, even insects can cause cholesterol problems if eaten in excess and without any concern for diet. Even insects, as is indeed the case with meat, can create problems for us when we do not store and consume them properly.

There are two classes of poisonous insects. First of all, the toxins it contains can cause harm during passage from the mouth into the esophagus. Another class of insects, the cryptotoxins, carry substances toxic to humans. Some cockroaches contain testosterone which if consumed for a long time can lead to fertility problems and liver cancer. There are allergy risks that are still being studied. Consuming insects can cause minor itching but also anaphylactic shock. These risks are reduced with manufactured insects.

When you have high cholesterol, there are foods that will keep it under control. Cereals, legumes and vegetables do not contain cholesterol and thus help reduce excess cholesterol levels. High-fiber vegetables promote the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. When you have high cholesterol, you should eat whole grains like brown bread, pasta, and brown rice. Make way instead for fruits and vegetables that contain cholesterol but without forgetting to include 2-3 portions of vegetables and 2 portions of fruit in your daily menu.