Affiliation(s)
1. Department of Biologic Systems, Metropolitan Autonomous University, México City 04960, México
2. Department of Health Care, Metropolitan Autonomous University, México City 04960, México
ABSTRACT
The health benefits of nutrients provided by edible insects are not
properly studied, even though insect intake in Latin American and Asia is a
cultural tradition since ancient times. Insects from the giant water bug (Belostomidae family) are consumed both in
Mexico and Thailand, and are known as “Cucarachon de agua”
(Lethocerus americanus) and “Mangda” (Lethocerus indicus), respectively. Raw
samples of these insects were collected on 2014 at Xochimilco channels from
Mexico and from Warorot night market in Chiang Mai, Thailand to further analyze
nutrient composition of samples according to official
methods of analysis (AOAC) techniques. The nutrient compositions were as following: proteins 60.12% and 53.11%; lipids 5.72% and 8.15%; minerals
5.46% and 6.75%; fiber 10.95 % and 12.23%; soluble
carbohydrates 17.75% and 19.74%, for insects obtained from
Mexico and Thailand, respectively. Giant water bug shows differences in nutrient composition. It may be the consequence of
differences in the environment
where they acquire the nutrients necessary for growth and reproduction.
However, giant water bugs are available all year around and are a good source
of proteins that could help people to obtain a cheaper source of this important
macronutrient.
KEYWORDS
Giant water bug, edible insect, nutrition, health, nutraceutical.
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