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The Importance of Consuming Charales (Chirostoma jordani) for Human Nutrition



Author(s)

Virginia Melo-Ruiz, Beatriz Schettino-Bermúdez, Karina Sánchez Herrera, Nidia Vargas-Martínez, Tomas Quirino-Barreda and Jesús Juárez-Sandoval

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DOI:10.17265/1934-7391/2014.01.007

Biological and Health Sciences Department, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City PC 04960, Mexico

The diversity of existing food may decrease malnutrition through the consumption of underutilized species. In Mexico, the “charal” fish Chirostoma spp. is grouped in five species: Chirostoma grandocule, Chirostoma patzcuaro, Chirostoma humboltianum, Chirostoma attenuatum and Chirostoma jordani which live in lakes in the country, and they are not consumed or their demand is low. The objective of this research was to analyze the macronutrients of Chirostoma jordani charal and inform population their nutritional value to increase human nutrition. Sampling was provided at Xochimilco channels in Xochimilco, D.F., summer and winter seasons at 2009. Fish (200 g) were maintained in channels water for proximal analysis according AOAC methods (1995). The results in dry bases were: protein 74.36%, lipids 1.24%, fiber 0.27%, minerals 4.9%, and soluble carbohydrates 19.23%. This fish grants protein, plastic material essential for human development: its lipid and carbohydrate contents, sources of energy, are low; however, the excess of disseminated proteins increase the energy sources. Fiber is found in a minimum amount. Dehydrated charales may be stored without refrigeration up to 3 months, maintaining their nutritional value. Consumption of the charal should be considered in the basic diet for its nutritional properties, to diminish malnutrition in the Mexico and other countries.

Nutrition, Charales fish, Chirostoma jordani, macronutrients.