NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF EATING WINGED TERMITES
In English language, this winged insect is known as "winged termite" or "termite".
Winged termite is scientifically known as "Macrotermes bellicosus".
Winged termites are known to the Ibos as Aku; to the Hausa as chinge/Khiyea; Esunsun in Yoruba; and Ebu in Annang.
In Nigeria, winged termites are usually roasted and eaten as food, mostly during the rainy season.
Winged termites can be eaten raw or roasted form.
Winged termites are very delicious and highly nutritious.
After they have been roasted, they can be eaten like popcorn or served along side with your palm oil rice.
Winged termites can also be served with palm wine.
Winged termites are good sources of 'Protein" with "high fat content" (and thus energy) and many important minerals and vitamins.
Also, a recent review has shown that winged termites are commonly used insects in traditional popular medicine. They are used in the treatment of various diseases that affect humans, such as influenza, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, tonsillitis and hoarseness.
Winged termites are known as Akuebe - Igbo, Esunsun - Yoruba, Chinge – hausa, Ivo –Ebira & Edon - Benin kingdom.
They’re annual/seasonal insects-right now they're in season and soon will disappear. They’re usually attracted by bright lights around the wee hours of the day; for collection you use your hands, brooms and basins. they are eaten: raw, roasted or used in cooking other meals.. what a delicious meat!
They are highly nutritious and proteinous, rich in vitamins A and C. Study has proven winged termites aside from some other usefulness, they also are used in traditional medicine to treat some diseases such as influenza, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, tonsillitis and hoarseness that affect humans. As shared on Facebook.