Ant eggs are a delicacy often referred to as “heaven’s gift,” believed to offer numerous health benefits. However, consuming ant eggs can trigger allergies, and in more severe cases, lead to anaphylactic shock.
Discovering the “Delicacy” of Ant Eggs
Ant eggs are a specialty dish from the northeastern mountainous region, with the season for harvesting them typically occurring at the beginning and end of the third lunar month. Ant eggs can be prepared in various unique dishes such as fried ant eggs, ant egg cakes, sticky rice with ant eggs, and more. However, not all types of ant eggs are edible; the variety used here is the black weaver ant.
A study conducted in 2007 by Vietnamese scientists in collaboration with the German Institute of Science and Biotechnology revealed that black weaver ant eggs contain between 42% to 67% protein, over 30 types of amino acids, and 31 trace elements. Notably, black weaver ant eggs are also rich in vitamins such as A, D, B1, E, and B12, making them beneficial for health.
Additionally, it is believed that black weaver ant eggs offer various advantages for men, such as improving sexual health, enhancing physical strength, and promoting mental clarity. However, there is insufficient evidence to substantiate these health claims.
Ant eggs are rich in protein and offer certain health benefits. (Photo: Internet).
Are Ant Eggs Dangerous to Eat?
While considered a nutrient-rich food with various health benefits, consuming ant eggs also poses several risks, such as:
Allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock: Black weaver ant eggs contain unusual proteins like arginine, proline, and histidine, which can trigger severe allergic reactions in those predisposed to allergies, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock.
If you are allergic, after consuming ant eggs, symptoms may include redness, itching, hives, nausea, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, individuals may experience difficulty breathing, palpitations, and dizziness.
Signs of hypersensitivity can lead to low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, hives, angioedema, wheezing, cyanosis, and fainting. Shock can progress within minutes, and patients may experience seizures, loss of responsiveness, and even death.
Risk of harmful bacterial infections: Ants are insects that thrive in various environments, such as damp areas and forests, making them and their eggs potential carriers of parasites and harmful bacteria.
By consuming these ant eggs, one may unintentionally introduce harmful bacteria and parasites into the body.
Eating ant eggs can lead to allergies or anaphylactic shock. (Photo: Internet).
Important Considerations When Eating Ant Eggs
This delicacy is a familiar dish for the people in certain eastern and western mountainous regions. However, due to potential health risks, it is essential to be cautious when consuming this type of egg:
- Individuals with a history of food allergies, such as shellfish or dairy, should avoid ant eggs. If you wish to try them, start with a small amount and observe your body’s reaction. If you experience rashes, itching, or nausea, discontinue consumption and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
- Do not eat spoiled ant eggs, as their high protein content makes them prone to spoilage, which could lead to food poisoning.
- Thoroughly clean ant eggs before consumption to prevent harmful bacteria or parasites from entering the body.
In general, ant eggs do not contain dangerous toxins but can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, everyone should exercise caution when consuming this type of egg, especially in large quantities within a short period.
