Edible Insects and the Brain: Historical Human Use and the Potential Benefits of Bioactive Peptides

Entomophagy is an ancient human strategy for obtaining nutritional value and treating diseases. In recent years, the importance of incorporating insects into the diet has increased as new studies demonstrate their numerous health benefits. This review examines the diversity of insect species consumed in various regions of the world, their nutritional significance, and the physiological properties of peptides derived from these organisms. It also discusses possible mechanisms underlying the observed health effects, including modulation of genes involved in lipid and oxidative metabolism, changes in interleukins involved in the inflammatory response, and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), suggesting a possible influence on glucose metabolism. Furthermore, considering the increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders in recent decades, the review explores the potential of edible insects in neuroprotection and the treatment of brain-related disorders, highlighting the beneficial effects of consuming insects as a dietary supplement and obtaining bioactive peptides as a strategy to increase their acceptability for consumption by the population. Further clinical studies are needed to establish precise dosages and appropriate applications.