I’m A Celebrity is notorious for its weird, wonderful and downright stomach-churning bushtucker trials.
A physical and mental challenge, they are designed to put stars through their paces by munching on everything from cockroaches to kangaroo testicles to win food and other home comforts for their camp mates.
But it seems producers may be on to something by feeding contestants creepy crawlies as the not-so delectable treats are packed with health-boosting vitamins, protein, zinc and magnesium.
Here, nutrition expert Amine Ould-Laib, of Spoon Guru, breaks down the surprising nutritional values of bushtucker delicacies – and it might just have you reaching for the kangaroo testicles.
Coronation Street star Sair Khan takes on the ‘dreaded deliveries’ leg of the infamous bush tucker trial on last week’s episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Among other things she was tasked with munching on a cow’s teat and sheep’s penis – but one nutritionist has claimed with stomach-churning bushtucker fare has some surprising nutritional benefits
Fish-eye juice
Fish eyes are a popular delicacy in the Far East where they’re thought to improve brain function. Fatty fish are a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids linked to improved blood pressure and brain function.
Kangaroo testicles
Kangaroo meat can be a healthier alternative to traditional red meats. With a comparable amount of protein to beef, it’s fairly low in fat at around 2 per cent. It also contains a higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fatty acids than red meat. Testicles also contain essential minerals zinc, magnesium and iron.
Crickets
These crunchy critters are not easy on the eyes, but they sure are nutritious! 100g of crickets contains more than 20 per cent of your recommended daily protein intake, and contain only 121 calories. They also a source of calcium & B vitamins. They are being found in more and more products for added protein.
The Chase star Anne Hegerty was tasked with drinking a glass of fish eye juice. Despite its stomach-churning smell and taste, nutrition expert Amine Ould-Laib notes it’s a ‘great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids linked to improved blood pressure and brain function’
Harry Redknapp and Noel Edmonds came face to face with a giant burrowing cockroach last week (pictured), but Amine Ould-Laib says these creepy crawlies are ‘surprisingly nutritious’
Witchetty grub
Not your everyday meal, but it is for Aborigines. They’re over 15 per cent protein and contain vitamins B1 and C. They feed exclusively on the sap of Acacia plants and are said to have a nutty flavour.
Fermented egg
Eggs are a great source of protein, particularly because they are a complete protein. Amongst a whole host of other vitamins and mineral, they contain choline, an essential building block for Acetylcholine, which is a brain neurotransmitter.
The yolk also contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin; these are two antioxidants renowned for protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of ageing. The fermenting process also gives it a unique taste to that of your standard egg.
Past contestants have been tasked with eating lamb brain (as seen in the 2015 series). A great source of vitamin B12, lamb brain is a great source of protein according to Amine Ould-Laib
Grubs up! Witchety grubs (as seen during the 2015 I’m a Celebrity series) are classic ITV jungle fare; said to have a nutty flavour, they’re over 15 per cent protein and contain vitamins B1 and C
Silkworms
Protein packed and soft-bodied, silkworms are considered a staple in some parts of China. They contain ALA which is converted by the body into essential omega-3 fatty acids, as well as being naturally high in calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B1, B2 and B3.
Lamb brain
A great source of vitamin B12, lamb brain is a great source of protein. It goes particularly well when pan fried. It also contains minerals like copper and potassium, as well as selenium, essential for the body’s natural antioxidant system!
Cockroaches
Normally seen as a household pest, cockroaches are surprisingly nutritious. A 100g serving of Dubia roaches (a type of cockroach) contains over 10 per cent of your daily calcium requirement, and are 20 per cent protein by mass. Could they be your next break-time snack?
Spoon Guru is an app designed to take the fuss out of finding the right food using AI technology and nutritionist expertise to deliver thousands of food product suggestions and tailored recipes