Any luhya man or woman would be excited over this news because this is a delicacy popular with them.
First of all, did you know that termites evolved from close ancestors of cockroaches during the Jurassic or Triassic. Yes, so we should consider eating cockroaches too.
The flying termites are usually collected while flying or after their wings have fallen off. During collection, these termites are added in bucket or bowl of water after which they are properly cleaned.
These termites in most cases are roasted, in the same way, you would roast peanuts. It can be eaten by itself or you could choose to eat it with ugali or rice as it is a very rich source of proteins. In fact, it is a healthier option to beef
Also, a recent review has shown that 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.
Breathtaking Benefits of Termites
(1)Medicinal Purposes
The use of termites for medicinal purposes is common especially in the rural parts of the world Africa is the continent with the highest number of usage, followed by America and Asia respectively. The results show that termites are useful for medicinal and food purposes to humanity.
(2)Ecosystem Support
Termites are detritivores because they feed on dead organic materials. They support the ecosystem by recycling waste matters such as faeces, dead animals, dead wood, plants and cellulose etc.
Termites break down complex molecules that plants could not use by feeding, decomposing and defecating into the soil.
Termites also help to aerate the soil while building their mounds that contain a high amount of phosphorous and nitrogen to support plant growth.
(3)Treatment of Gastric Disorders
Some countries use termites for treating gastric disorders. Kaolin, which is a medicinal clay substance found in mounds is used in folk medicine for treating gastric disorders.
(4)Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Termite mounds are used in preparing herbal medicines for treating gastrointestinal diseases due to the kaolin clay substance found in it. It can be used for treating cholera, dysentery, swelling of large intestine, indigestion, stomach ache and diarrhoea
(5)Essential for Pregnant Women
Termite mounds are used for preparing herbal concoctions applied on the stomach of pregnant women. Studies reveal that the mounds contain a high amount of calcium and iron that are helpful for pregnant women.
(6)Livestock Feeds
Termites are not only a source of food to man but also to animals, birds etc.
SIDE EFFECT OF TERMITE
Always be careful with termites as they can sting and bite, however, they do not release toxic substances to the wounds. Studies reveal that termites do not transmit harmful diseases to humans, howbeit, individuals living in termites infested vicinities may experience some allergic reactions including asthma attacks. Most people are also allergic to termite dung and saliva and as a result, such people should refrain from having close contacts with termites.