Ants are globally abundant insects with a complex relationship with human health, extending beyond simple pest control. The question of whether ants are “good for you” involves three areas: their role as a food source, a physical danger, and a source of therapeutic compounds. This relationship includes direct consumption for nutrition, risks from defense mechanisms, and historical use in medicine.
The Nutritional Profile of Edible Ants
Ants and their larvae are incorporated into human diets globally, a practice known as entomophagy, providing a nutrient-dense food source. Species like weaver ants and leafcutter ants are commonly consumed in various cultures. These insects offer a high concentration of protein, with some varieties containing a crude protein content ranging from 31.5% to over 41.5% by weight, which rivals traditional meats.
The fat content in edible ants is relatively low, ranging from 4% to 15% in some species, and includes a beneficial profile of fatty acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, are often the most predominant type found. Ants are also rich in essential micronutrients, providing significant amounts of minerals like phosphorus, iron, and calcium. Their high nutritional value and lower environmental footprint compared to traditional livestock make them a potential sustainable alternative protein source.
Immediate Health Risks and Allergic Reactions
While some ants are consumed safely, direct contact with many species poses a health risk due to their defensive behaviors. Ants employ physical defenses, such as biting with mandibles, and chemical defenses, including stinging or spraying irritating substances. For example, some ants spray formic acid, a corrosive compound that can cause irritation or chemical burns on the skin. The most severe danger comes from stinging ants, whose venom can trigger life-threatening systemic reactions. Fire ants and the Australian jack jumper ant are well-known for causing anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
These stings inject venom containing allergenic proteins, leading to symptoms like generalized hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, and difficulty breathing. In sensitized individuals, even a single sting can rapidly lead to anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate emergency treatment.
Use of Ant Compounds in Traditional Medicine
Beyond their nutritional value, ants have a long history of use in traditional medical practices across different cultures. A well-documented traditional use involves employing large army ant heads as natural surgical staples. The ant is positioned to bite across a wound; once the mandibles clamp the skin edges together, the ant’s body is removed, leaving the head to hold the wound shut. This practice was used by indigenous tribes in East Africa and South America, as well as in ancient Indian surgery, serving as a reliable method for closing lacerations.
Modern research is exploring the therapeutic potential of compounds derived from ants. Studies on ant venom have identified bioactive peptides that show promise for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Extracts from specific ant species, such as the edible black ant, have been investigated for compounds that possess anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory effects. These investigations aim to isolate and validate specific compounds that could be developed into new pharmaceuticals, often focusing on their ability to modulate immune responses.