Health Guide

Cicada

Meet the Cicada: the nutritional powerhouse hiding in plain sight. While often viewed as a garden pest, the Cicada is actually a **complete protein**, rich in essential minerals like iron and zinc. Think of them as nature's crunchy snack, offering a sustainable and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional meats. Unlike synthetic supplements, cicadas provide their nutrients in a bioavailable form, meaning your body can easily absorb and use them. They are nature's seasonal gift, packed with micronutrients that support energy, immunity, and muscle health.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Cicada
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Protein Density Comparison

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Protein per 100g
Source

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Complete Protein Source: Contains all nine essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth.
  • Mineral Boost: Naturally high in Iron (for energy) and Zinc (for immunity).
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids without the unhealthy trans fats found in processed foods.

Deep Dive

Cicadas are a nutritional powerhouse because of their diet—tree roots—which allows them to accumulate minerals from the soil. From a purely biological standpoint, they function as nature's multivitamin. They are particularly valuable for those looking to increase their protein intake without relying on land-intensive livestock farming. Their exoskeleton contains chitin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike vitamins found in produce, cicadas are the source themselves. They are seasonal, appearing in late spring and early summer. They are often harvested and prepared as a savory snack.

FoodAmount% DV
Roasted Cicadas1 oz (approx 20)--
Protein10g20%
Iron2.5mg14%
Zinc1.8mg16%

Supplementation

Cicadas are rarely found in pill form. To get the benefits, you must consume the whole insect, usually roasted, fried, or ground into a powder. Important: Ensure cicadas are harvested from pesticide-free areas. Do not consume them if you have a known allergy to shellfish (crustaceans), as the proteins are similar.

Top Food Sources

Cicadas
Complete protein, Iron, Zinc
Mealworms
High in healthy fats
Crickets
Rich in B12
Grasshoppers
High protein, low fat
Ants
Citrusy flavor, rich in zinc

Frequently Asked Questions

Many describe them as tasting like nuts or shrimp, especially when roasted with seasoning.
Yes, the shell is edible and contains fiber (chitin), though it can be tough. Many prefer to eat the soft inner body.
No. Always cook them thoroughly to eliminate potential pathogens.
They are a sustainable, eco-friendly protein source that requires very little water or land to farm.

Safety & Side Effects

Who should avoid it? Individuals with shellfish allergies (due to cross-reactivity of tropomyosin). Always cook cicadas thoroughly to kill potential parasites or bacteria. Avoid harvesting near roadsides or treated lawns to prevent heavy metal or pesticide ingestion.

Scientific References

  • [1]FAO: Edible Insects - Future prospects for food and feed security
  • [2]Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology: Nutritional composition of cicadas
  • [3]Nutrients Journal: Chitin and Gut Health