International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition

Authors
Silistina Narzari, Jatin Sarmah

Abstract
Insects are popularly consumed in different parts of the globe. The aquatic edible nymphs of Sympetrum sp. (Odonata: Libellulidae) of Assam, Northeast India is little known to science but is a delicacy among certain tribal communities in the region. This study reports the nutritional compositions of the edible nymph of Sympetrum sp. The proximate composition analysis revealed that it contains 76.75 g/100g of protein. Mineral analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer showed that this food can supplement rich amount of phosphorus, iron and copper to human nutrition. Amino acids analysed by High Performance liquid Chromatography presented all essential amino acids excluding leucine. Fatty acid analysis by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry revealed that it contains 50.62% of Saturated Fatty Acids, 49.36% of Unsaturated Fatty Acids. This study first reports the rich nutritional aspects of the nymphs of Sympetrum sp. The results of this work would possibly be a nutritional reference for local consumers.