Evaluation of Nutritional Value of the Termite, Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) and Beef
Journal Title: Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 10
Abstract
Abstract: The search for alternative protein food source coupled with the cost of affordability and the ever increasing human population has become a serious problem. This research was aimed at exploring other protein food sources than meat, using an arthropod of the class insecta, Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman), (termite). The nutrient content of the termite, an edible insect, and beef of the Bostaurus species was determined through various laboratory procedures including titration, digestion and distillation of the various samples. Termites used in the study triumphed over beef in terms of carbohydrate content (termites 22.4 ± 0.01, beef 1.34 ± 0.01) and there was only a slight difference in protein content of beef when compared to termites (beef 10.41 ± 0.01, termite 10.06 ± 0.01). The research revealed that beef contains more lipid (beef 25.0 ± 0.05, termite 20.0 ± 0.05), which can be detrimental to human health. Insects can be used as an alternative source of protein to effectively replace the expensive available source (meat) and solve malnutrition in the ever-growing population of mankind. There should be more enlightenment of the general public on the great benefits of insects consumption to avoid the under usage of this food resource.
Authors and Affiliations
Emmanuel I. Ogban, Thomas O. Magu, Iniodu G. Ukpong
Keywords
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