Scientists Investigate The Medicinal Properties Of An Insect Species From Argentina
Scientists Investigate The Medicinal Properties Of An Insect Species From Argentina
For years now Americans have been hearing about the nutritional benefits that can be enjoyed by eating insects. In an effort to normalize the practice of edible insect consumption, experts have repeatedly mentioned that edible insects have been a part of most world cultures for thousands of years. Eating insects is a normal part of everyday life in most of Africa and Asia. However, it may surprise you to learn that edible insects are not well accepted by members of the public in the South American country of Argentina. Despite the fact that both spiders and insects are consumed regularly in many South American countries, Argentinians find the idea of eating bugs to be disgusting, much like many Americans. However, an indigenous group of people living in the country not only eat insects, but they successfully take advantage of the medicinal properties that some insects offer to humanity. The reported medicinal benefits of a type of larva found in the jungles of Argentina have compelled researchers to investigate the healing aspects of this larval species.
The Guarani Indian communities living in northern Argentina have been using insects as food and medicine for over two thousand years. The larvae of small West Indian cane weevils are eaten by elderly tribesmen when their teeth become too deteriorated for chewing on wild game. Surprisingly, this species has also been used to clean out internal organs and heal the scars around the navels of newborn infants. According to Santiago Martinez, a member of the Yasi Pora Guarani community, the larvae also purify human blood and improve bladder functions.
In response to these claims scientists are traveling to regions that are inhabited by these tribes in order to study how the tribesmen prepare the larvae for consumption. Although there is much to be studied concerning this larvae, experts are hoping that the positive medical benefits involved with the consumption of this larvae will help to change the negative attitude Argentinians have toward edible insects. Beef is currently consumed in large quantities among the public of Argentina, but experts are worried that beef production cannot be sustained.
If you knew that some edible insects could improve your health would you be willing to eat them?