Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, propose that insects may be a possible new source for omega 3 fatty acids. With a quick Google search, you may find that insects populate Earth in numbers around 108 billion. That would be like a virtually unlimited source of omega 3’s. Not only are they so high in number, but they live on organic waste, perhaps not too expensive to breed.
Dr. Sosa did research on milk fats. Interestingly, this Science Daily article mentioned that a colleague of Dr. Sosa was working with protein extraction from insects. Curiosity drove her to analyze the fat content of the left over insects. Surprisingly or not, the insect remnants were found to be rich in both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
“Insects are already used as a source of protein for man and beast. In the protein extraction process also oil is extracted. This insect oil is currently thrown away. That is a shame, proves researcher Daylan Tzompa Sosa of Wageningen University.”
Though it may not sound appetizing, she tested oil from: meal worms, beetle larvae, crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers and soldier flies. Research on breeding insects at Wageningen University is advancing. The researchers are working with entomologists and bio based experts. This article came out just a few days ago, and insect oil is definitely something to keep a close eye on. Due to the nature of insects, returns on investments could be very favorable!
READ MORE: Insects are a Sustainable Source of Omega-3
Source: ScienceDaily