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NO MATTER HOW much of a hardcore carnivore you are, the thought of eating a rat or an insect might make your stomach churn.

But before you grimace, consider this fun fact: Insects are actually more nutritious than most forms of meat eaten in the US. Some say increased consumption of insects might help alleviate world hunger.

While cultures in countries throughout Africa, Asia, and South America swear by the health benefits of eating insects, rodents, and other odd animals, Western restaurants will probably not be adding any of the following to their menus anytime soon.

Note: Don’t take a look at these before you eat. Some readers may find some of the food listed disturbing.

In Mexico, where some insects are considered delicacies, such as maguey worms.

jcortell jcortell

This taco is actually made with grasshoppers.

william.neuheisel william.neuheisel

Micronutris, the only firm in Europe that raises insects specifically for consumption, made a batch of macaroons garnished with dehydrated insects.

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Some scientists believe that if more cultures embrace entomophagy (the eating of insects), the shift in eating patterns could help contribute to the end of the global food crisis. Pictured below is a mealworm quiche.

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A Chinese restaurant in the ancient city of Yogyakarta serves cobra meat in the form of hamburger patties. Some customers claim the food can cure skin diseases and asthma and increase sexual virility.

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The extremely controversial annual dog-meat festival held in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang, in China — where festival attendees dine on dog meat — is currently being protested by animal activists across the world.

Two men throw dogs into cages in Yulin Big Market. Anonymous / AP/Press Association Images Anonymous / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

These hard-boiled eggs are cooked in boys’ urine and are a springtime favorite for the locals in Dongyang, Zhejiang, in eastern China.

File photo of eggs. 16:9clue 16:9clue

TheUromastyx lizard, also known as a dabb lizard, is eaten in Saudi Arabia. These animals, served cooked or raw, are thought to strengthen the body and treat diseases.

TheReptilarium TheReptilarium

Young boys can be seen selling boiled rats on the side of the road in Malawi.

Jean-Jacques Boujot Jean-Jacques Boujot

This skinned frog is about to be blended to make a drink at a market in San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, the capital of Peru.

These whole cooked alligators were served at the 110th Explorers Club Annual Dinner held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

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- Sarah Jacobs

Read: Aer Lingus has solved the problem of dodgy airline food once and for all >