Can You Eat Ants Healthy?
WouterDepending on your country, ants are eaten in several ways. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Ants can provide a source of protein and fat. They can also provide important vitamins and minerals.
However, ants can carry bacteria and pathogens that may be harmful to humans. There are also several ant species that are poisonous. So it is important to eat only cooked insects.
Ants are small and can cause some problems if not cooked properly. They may be toxic to the stomach. It is also possible to get an allergic reaction. This can result in a serious illness.
However, if you are careful about what you eat, ants can be a healthy source of protein. They can provide about 21 percent of your protein needs. Ants can also provide fats, minerals, and fiber. Ants are also a good source of iron.
Depending on the ant, they can taste spicy or citrusy. They may also be sweet. Some species, like the army ant, are brick red in color.
Ants can be cooked to remove the vinegary taste and kill any parasites. You can also boil them to remove the acid. If you choose to cook them, remember that it is best to use a non-toxic method. If you choose to boil them, be sure to neutralize the acid first.
There are also some ant species that are dangerous to eat. The common venomous ant should be avoided. Some people have reported severe allergic reactions when eating ants.
