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Abstract
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Article Information:
Nutritional Value and Consumption of Black Ants (Carebara vidua Smith) from the Lake Victoria Region in Kenya
M.A. Ayieko, J.N. Kinyuru, M.F. Ndong’a and G.M. Kenji
Corresponding Author: M.A. Ayieko
Submitted: 2011 December, 13
Accepted: 2011 January, 21
Published: 2012 February, 15 |
Abstract:
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The edible insects of the Lake Victoria region which provided food and medicine, have suffered the
effects of mismanaged environment. Our case study of Carebara vidua Smith (black ant) which is an
endangered insect currently threatened with extinction due to human’s activities, have provided unique source
of protein and medicinal value. C. vidua is an endangered species of Heminoptera. This paper discusses the
nutritional value and medicinal potential of the black ant. It is one of the most sought after edible insects
because of its nutritional and medicinal value. The samples were collected from Kisumu and Siaya counties
along the Lake Victoria region. Standard nutrient analysis methods were used to determine the nutritional value.
The insect has between 39.79 to 44.64% protein and about 42.07 to 49.77% fat content depending on the body
part. The insect is also rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. From the fatty acid profile,
the edible insects recorded high content of Palmitic, Oleic and Linoleic acids. No Linolenic acid was found in
the samples analysed. The elderly Luos of Kenya collect and consume the black ants to manage several body
ailments probably due to the essential nutrients found in the insect. C. vidua Smith is fairly similar to
Polyrhachis vicina Roger in China which has been processed and commercialised as medicinal to manage
several chronic diseases. Further research is needed to highlight the potential medicinal value of C. vidua Smith
in Kenya and to save the insect from total disappearance.
Key words: Black ants, Carebara vidua, edible insects, ethnomedicine, nutritional value, ,
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Cite this Reference:
M.A. Ayieko, J.N. Kinyuru, M.F. Ndong’a and G.M. Kenji, . Nutritional Value and Consumption of Black Ants (Carebara vidua Smith) from the Lake Victoria Region in Kenya. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology, (1): 39-45.
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ISSN (Online): 2042-4876
ISSN (Print): 2042-4868 |
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