Insects, Plants, and Microorganisms from Dry Lands as Novel Sources of Proteins and Peptides for Human Consumption.

Journal: Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
Published Date:

Abstract

Protein malnutrition is present in developing countries but also in developed ones due to actual eating habits involving insufficient protein intake. In addition to this, it is estimated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations that the world's population will increase to 9.1 billion people in less than 30 years. This poses a significant challenge in terms of nourishing the population. Different strategies have been proposed to address this challenge, including exploring novel protein sources such as plants. For instance, Prosopis alba pods have an 85.5% protein content. Other examples are microorganisms, such as which produces 571 U/mL of protease, and insects such as those belonging to the Orthoptera order, like grasshoppers, which have a protein content of 65.96%. These sources have been found in dry lands and are being explored to address this challenge.

Authors

  • Nathiely Ramírez-Guzmán
    Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Research (CEII-UAdeC), Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Mexico.
  • Cristian Torres-León
    Reaserch Center and Ethnobiological Garden (CIJE), Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Viesca 27480, Mexico.
  • David Aguillón-Gutiérrez
    Reaserch Center and Ethnobiological Garden (CIJE), Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Viesca 27480, Mexico.
  • Jorge Alejandro Aguirre-Joya
    Reaserch Center and Ethnobiological Garden (CIJE), Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Viesca 27480, Mexico.

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