Nutraceutical Effect of Cuetlas (Arsenura armida C.) Edible Insects as Local Food at Ixcaquixtla, Mexico

Abstract

Insect's nutrient composition may provide a good source of macro-and micro-nutrients with nutraceutical functions that could help people from semirural areas, such as Ixcaquixtla, located southeast of the Puebla State, Mexico. The aim of this study was to assess macro-and micro-nutrients in Cuetlas (Arsenura armada C.) larvae and inform local people about the nutraceutical benefits that those insects could provide. Cuetlas larvae samples were collected from Jonote tree on August, 2014 to analyze minerals and macro-nutrient of raw larvae according to AOAC (1995) techniques. Results showed that Cuetlas larvae contained 56.93% proteins, 14.76% lipids, 2.95% minerals, 2.13% fiber and 23.23% soluble carbohydrates. Cuetlas larvae have a good amount of proteins, essential macromolecules for human life as well as essential fatty acids that are important sources of fuel for brain cells and in particular for cardiac and skeletal muscle, minerals, not determined individually, which are important for metabolism processes, fiber for digestive processes and soluble carbohydrates as energy source.

Bio-economic potential of ethno-entomophagy and its therapeutics in India

“…The proximate contents in edible insects varies by species (Fig. 4 ) and even fat content also varies, ranging from 7 to 77 g/100 g dry weight; however, termites, caterpillars, and palm weevil larvae have the highest fat contents 35 , 36 . Edible insects contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) including linoleic and linolenic acids 37 .…”