Grasshoppers Sphenarium Purpurascens Ch Source of Proteins and Essential Amino Acids

Abstract

Protein malnutrition is quite common worldwide; its deficiency has adverse effects in all organs. Edible insect's traditional cultural food, commonly consumed in rural communities, now intake is also being incorporated in some countries. Grasshoppers comprise proteins, the building blocks of AA (amino acids), that are one of the five classes of complex biomolecules found in cells and tissues that play an important role in human metabolism and nutrition. This research was conducted to determine proximal composition of Sphenarium purpurascens Ch, grasshoppers, focused on proteins and AA. Sampling was performed during autumn, 2013, in Oaxaca State. Dry raw adult insects were ground and proceeded to macro molecules proximal analysis, protein by Kjeldahl AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) method and essential AA in a Beckman 6300 equipment. Obtained data were: total proteins 71.56%; lipids 8.14%; minerals 3.52%; fiber 7.48%; soluble carbohydrates 9.30%. Essential AA (mg/16 g·N): isoleucine 4.5; leucine 8.1; lysine 5.4; methionine + cysteine 5.1; phenylalanine + tyrosine 8.5; threonine 3.5; tryptophan 0.6; valine 5.5. Sphenarium purpurascens Ch, Grasshoppers represent a good source of proteins and essential AA that can grow almost everywhere, available mostly all year round and affordable to all social groups, thus being a good option to improve human health.