What swarming pest, renowned for destroying huge areas of crops, might just turn out to be an answer to Africa’s food security problem? Irony of ironies, it’s the desert locust.

The little critter is packed full of protein, fatty acids and minerals, according to a new study by a group of Kenyan and US researchers. Not only that, they can also improve immunity, help fight cancer and prevent inflammation of bodily organs.

According to a SciDev.Net report, the research found that locusts contain high levels of chemicals called phytosterols, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. While plants are generally the richest source of these nutrient-rich compounds, insects that feed on them (such as locusts), can provide alternative sources. Now all that’s needed is a recipe for locust pie…

16 June 2015
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