Reasons humans avoid eating insects

A recent study suggests that the reason humans tend to avoid eating insects is rooted in factors embedded in history, environment, and genetics, not solely cultural influences. Researchers found that modern humans in North Eurasia rarely consumed insects, and genetic mutations have made these humans less capable of digesting insect shells. In contrast, Neanderthal populations were more affected by insect consumption, as their teeth contained traces of DNA linked to insects, along with evidence that they fed on animal carcasses teeming with larvae—especially in moist, tropical environments. The findings indicate that the low consumption of insects outside tropical regions is due to long-standing environmental and historical factors. However, modern production techniques might facilitate the use of insects as a sustainable food source, as humans' need to digest chitin decreases.

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