Today, Earth faces an alarming crisis in its biodiversity: species are disappearing at a rate faster than ever recorded in human history. Globally, approximately 1.2 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, with many projected to vanish before the year 2100. The Living Planet Report 2022 by The World Wide Fund for Nature highlights a staggering 69% decline in the abundance of mammal, bird, reptile, fish, and amphibian species since 1970.

One of the reasons behind this decline in biodiversity is the extensive consumption of various species by humans for food. According to Vox, millions of animals are utilized as food sources, particularly for meat production, which contributes to 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. Furthermore, recent studies published in Nature and by the think tank Chatham House indicate that global meat production not only poses a threat to climate and the consumed animals but also endangers thousands of species in the coming decades.

Exploring alternatives to prevent the depletion of meat-producing animal species on Earth is the solution to mitigate this issue. One such alternative involves utilizing insects. As described in the journal titled 'Insects as an Alternative Protein Source,' insects offer more than just fats and proteins; they are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Insects demonstrate higher food conversion efficiency, produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and require less water and land compared to traditional animal husbandry practices involving vertebrates. Therefore, the consumption of insects contributes positively to environmental preservation, food security, nutrition, and the well-being of current and future generations.

Several countries have already started using insects as substitutes for meat protein. Have you ever heard of bug taste testing in Thailand? It may sound weird and uncommon for some people, but in many Third World nations, edible insects are becoming a major source of revenue for rural populations. By 2024, the Asia Pacific edible insect market is projected to increase by $270 million. Insect farming and the number of products produced has increased significantly in several Southeast Asian nations, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Nowadays, eating insects is considered to be a part of the local culture.

Edible insects seem to provide a different and sustainable way to supply the growing world population's nutritional demands. Believe it or not, compared to pigs or cattle, insects have been found to release fewer greenhouse gases and ammonia into the atmosphere. Thus, what if the solution to global food security and environmental conservation lies in the tiny creatures we often overlook?

Below are the nutritional values of insects which made it a highly nutritious source of food.

• High in protein: Edible insects are a valuable source of protein, comparable to meat and easily digestible by humans. Their protein content varies by species and stage of development, ranging from 35% (termites) to 61% (crickets, grasshoppers).
• Good source of unsaturated fats: Insects contain mostly unsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for health. Their omega-3 content is higher than pork and cattle.
• Rich in vitamins: Edible insects provide B complex vitamins like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. While vitamin C content is low, levels of A, C, D, and E increase during development in some species.
• Minerals and fiber: Though low in calcium, sodium, and potassium, insects are high in magnesium (crickets, locusts) and iron, and zinc (crickets, termites). They also contain significant amounts of fiber-rich chitin, beneficial for gut health

Despite the benefits of entomophagy, future research should still be done as including insects in diets is still controversial. Allergenicity, pathogenic microorganisms present in edible insects can affect consumer's health. Some proteins contained in edible insects, such as arginine kinase, α-amylase, and tropomyosine, are considered allergens. Also, the degree of contamination varies depending on the type of insect, how it is collected (wild vs. domesticated), hygiene standards, and the handling and processing techniques used to prepare the insects.

According to the study titled "Entomophagy and allergies: a study of the prevalence of entomophagy and related allergies in a population living in North-Eastern Thailand" by Geoffrey Taylor and Nanxi Wang, it is explained that similar to many protein-containing foods such as milk, shellfish, and soy, insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (Reese et al., 1999; Chen et al., 1998). These reactions may manifest as rash, nausea, diarrhea, eczema, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock, among other symptoms.

One concerning effect is diarrhea, which can lead to significant weakness in the body. Dehydration becomes a concern, hindering normal activities. One way to address this is by consuming rehydrating beverages such as Fresh Isotonic Water. Apart from replenishing fluids in the body, several of its ingredients offer beneficial properties to alleviate allergies such as coconut water powder, apple water powder, and turmeric juice powder.

Firstly, coconut offers benefits in preventing allergies. As reported by Detik.com, the potassium present in coconuts can reduce allergic reactions. When allergens or triggering foods enter the body, antibodies are released, causing itching or irritation.

Secondly, turmeric. According to the Ministry of Health, it contains curcumin, which acts as an anti-allergic compound, alleviating itching sensations in the body.

Lastly, apples. As stated by Viva.com, containing quercetin can slow down the release of histamine, a chemical compound produced during allergic reactions.

These three ingredients are included in the isotonic beverage with the following formulation: water, coconut water powder, isomaltulose, citric acid, malic acid, potassium citrate, apple juice powder, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, turmeric juice powder, calcium lactate, magnesium carbonate, ascorbic acid, coconut water flavor, apple flavor.

For those interested in learning more about the raw materials used or requesting the formulation, you can inquire on our website at ptsml.id or visit our Instagram account @ptsml_indonesia. #ptsmlIndonesia #rawmaterial #foodingredients #coconut #apple #turmeric #isotonic #insects