Edible Insects And Their Health Benefits

Have you ever thought of eating insects? I’m sure it might have crossed your mind at some point. Well, scientists have identified close to 2000 species of insects as edible.

The practice of humans eating insects as food is known as Entomophagy. Many countries in Africa. Asia, Central and South America regularly eat insects as food. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), estimated that up to 2 billion people worldwide feeds on insects as a diet. Many people in the Western world are, however, still reluctant to try eating insects. 

Well, today you be learning why edible insects are good for you, and since we care about your health, you’ll also find out the health benefits of edible insects.

 

Why you should start eating edible insects

Here are some reasons why edible insects are beneficial:

• Insects are immensely packed with enough protein. Protein from insects contains all nine of the essential amino acids required for human nutrition.

• Eating edible insects would save you a lot of money used in other foodstuffs.

• Eating edible insects could help overcome obesity and lose weight.

• Entomophagy can help solve the problem of malnutrition in the world.

Now that you’ve understood some of the benefits of edible insects let us now see some common edible insects and their health benefits.

Top 5 Edible Insects and Their Health Benefits

We are going to focus on 5 main edible insects and find out their health benefits.

5. Caterpillars

Mopane caterpillars is a popular food consumed in parts of Southern Africa, especially in northern Zambia. 

Caterpillars contain 25-53g of protein and 20g of healthy fat from monounsaturated sources. However, the interesting thing about caterpillars is their iron content. The iron content in beef is 6mg per 100g of dry weight; in contrast, the iron content of caterpillars is 31mg per 100g. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in developing countries. Eating edible caterpillars could help improve your iron content. They are also good sources of potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and zinc.

 

4. Termites

Termites are a popular food in Western Africa and Asia. Termites are nutritionally rich insects and have a lot of wonderful health benefits.

Termites are rich in iron, calcium, sodium and manganese. They also contain information vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids.

Termites are said to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. The high amount of calcium and iron makes them essential to pregnant women.

ALSO READ: Top weight loss foods on earth

 

3. Crickets

This tiny insects that are known for making chirping noises can be an exciting delicacy. They extensively sold in Mexican markets and eaten in many parts of Central Africa.

Crickets, like other day edible insects are very rich in protein, they are also a good source of unsaturated fat but are notable for their extremely high potassium content.

Their high potassium content can help you fend off a number of heart-related diseases. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), it can help lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Because they are high in potassium, they can help reduce bloating. Bloating is caused by excessive sodium intake from salty foods. Eating crickets will help you get rid of that can could give you a great belly. They supply a small amount of iron too.

 

2. Ants

Ants are everywhere; they even have more population than humans. Eating ants have a lot of amazing health benefits. They are so great in proteins and contain numerous minerals. Ants contain iron, zinc, copper, potassium and calcium.

Ant protein has a lot of health benefits like decreasing fatigue, improving immune function and enhancing growth.

However, you don’t just go eating any ant. A recommended form for getting this wonderful nutrient from ants are Ant powder.

Ant powder extract can be incorporated in drinks, or cooked with just about any kind of food. It’s the same as any protein powder. They are also many ant recipes to try out on the internet too.

 

1. Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are found in temperate climate and inhabit similar terrain with crickets. This small insects that hop about and make chirping noises in your yard can serve as a staple food. And above all, it has wonderful health benefits.

Grasshoppers contain a lot of protein that can serve a good percentage of the protein requirements for both men and women. What makes grasshoppers one of the healthiest edible insects is because it is a good source of unsaturated fats and essential vitamins.

 

Note: Care should be taken when feeding on insects because some of them could be toxic due to exposure to harmful pesticides. Buy edible insects from reliable sources to gain their amazing health benefits. There are also great insects recipes all over the internet that you could try.

 

Remember always to Eat Healthy!