Lipids Data Composition of Palm Tree Grub Rhynchophorus palmarum Edible Insect
Melo Ruíz V1., Sandoval H1., Sánchez-Herrera K1., Calvo Carrillo C2. & Quirino Barreda T1
1Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, México, D.F. 2 Depto. De Nutrición Animal, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D.F.

Fatty acids long-chain w3 and w6 PUFA are essential in human nutrition for normal growth, development and optimal function of brain, heart and other systems. There are scientific evidence which proof that dietary FA are involved in the etiology of many diseases, therefore their consumption is important in health and disease prevention. FA classically viewed as an energy substrate, their data composition of PUFA suggests that w3 FA may play a protective role in coronary artery disease including the control of the level of blood lipids, blood pressure, cardiac and vascular functions. Another important function of PUFA w3 is the critical role for maintenance normal brain function in adults, and for growth and functional development of the infant’s brains. PUFA are synthesized mainly by uni-and multicellular marine phytoplankton and algae, the PUFA so obtained are incorporated into lipids of marine species through the food chain. Therefore seafood and shellfish are consider as a good source of w3 FA, however those sources of PUFA are not available to all social groups, however there are other sources of lipids that need to be explored in order to inform population the benefits their consumption provide to human health. The aim of this study is to strengthen the analytical performance of palm tree grub samples to generate data composition of lipids. Samples were collected from palm trees at Veracruz State, on spring 2011, to assess total fatty acids by petroleum ether extraction in a soxhlet apparatus and unsaturated fatty acids by gas chromatography. Data obtain was total fatty acids 32.05%; saturated fatty acids 36.80%; monounsaturated oleic C18:1 w9 60.40%; polyunsaturated w6 C18:2, linoleic 14.13%; and w3 C18:3, linolenic 6.96%. Fatty acids are the primary energy reservoir, unsaturated FA plays an important role in cellular membrane structure. An adequate intake of FA will provide health benefits by reducing cardiovascular risks, prevention in nervous system diseases, and decrease inflammatory processes. FA composition in palm tree grubs may vary according to environmental conditions at collecting time.

Key words: Fatty acids, Edible insects, Palm tree grubs, w3 and w6 Fatty acids, Nutrition.