While insects have been consumed for centuries worldwide, many people still haven't warmed to the idea of a creepy-crawly on the tongue.
But if your next dinner recipe involves raw fish, seaweed, wasabi and rice -- the key ingredients for sushi -- chances are you might enjoy some deep-fried crickets or beetles on the side.
For the first time, an international study led by La Trobe University and the University of Pennsylvania, has found that people who frequently consume sushi are more open to introducing edible insects into their diets.
This was particularly the case with the American sample -- of the 82 per cent of participants questioned in the study who said they would be willing to eat insects, 43 per cent ate sushi on a regular basis.
Co-author Dr Matthew Ruby, Lecturer in Psychology at La Trobe University, said sushi could be considered a gateway food to insects.
"Until relatively recently, the idea of trying sushi -- let alone having it become a mainstream menu item -- was often thought of with disgust in many societies," Dr Ruby said.
"Just like eating sushi, eating insects will take some getting used to."
"It appears the more open you are to 'exotic' foods, the more willing you'll be to taste-test a grasshopper, or an ant, or even a spider."
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