Journal Article

Proximate and Mineral Potential of Sun-Dried Short Horn Grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus) Consumed in Paikoro Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional compositions of the short- horn grasshopper (Zonoceros variegatus) have been investigated using known analytical methods. Results of the proximate composition indicated moisture content of 5.10 %, crude protein content of 18.39 %, fat content of 10.5 %, ash content of 2.30 %, carbohydrate content of 31.51% and 32.20 % fiber content. High proportions of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (115.50, 132.50, 39.58, 52.25 and 126.30 mg/100g) were recorded respectively. Moderate amounts of iron, manganese and zinc were also detected. Results of anti-nutritional analysis revealed low contents of cyanide and oxalate. K/Na ratio of 1.15± 0.1 so obtained suggests that the insect could be a potential source of diet for the management of hypertension. The high values of protein and carbohydrate suggest that Zonocerus variegates has potential for exploitation to combat nutritional deficiencies that are of public health concerns. The insect could form a base for new food products of considerable nutritive values

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