## 4 Discussion
phoenicis_ adults were higher than those obtained by several authors [17,31,37] for the larvae of the same species, which contain more lipids; however, they contained lower amounts of protein than the larvae of _Allomyrina dichotomous_ [PERSON] (Coleoptera: Dynastidae), _Tenebro molitor_ [PERSON] (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and the adults of two species of Orthoptera of the family Grylilidae (_Gryllus bimaculatus_ ([PERSON], 1773) and _Telegryllus emma_ ([PERSON] and [PERSON], 1951)) [38]. They also contained lower amounts of protein than the adults of _Chonderis roseum_ ([PERSON], 1773) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and _Brachydrupes orientalis_ ([PERSON], 1838) (Orthoptera: Grylilidae) [39]. Protein is essential for the development and renewal of muscular tissues, body tissues such as nails, hair and body hair, the bone matrix, and the skin [40]. The high protein content of the adults of _O. monoceros_ and _R. phoenicis_ can adequately supply essential protein to the growing population in developing countries. Indeed, insects can significantly contribute to the daily protein requirements of populations, which range from 23 to 56 g [41]. Therefore, consuming less than 125 g of any of these Coleopteran species is sufficient to meet the daily protein requirement. Hence, the consumption of these insects could serve as a cheap and nutritious substitute for the expensive protein sources found in conventional foods. The mineral composition (data from Table 2) of the insect species studied was not statistically different from, but was higher than, that of beef, poultry, and fish, with values of between 1 and 2.5% [26]. These values are quite similar to those obtained by [PERSON] et al. [38] for adults of two Orthopteran species, _G. bimaculatus_ and _T. emma_, in South Korea. The Coleopteran species studied contained significant quantities of minerals, as generally reported in the literature for insects consumed [32,42,43]. The insects studied are a good source of minerals (Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) that are involved in different physiological functions. Sodium and potassium were the most dominant minerals in these insects compared to the other minerals. They are essential for human health. Potassium, for example, plays an essential role in the body's cellular biochemical reactions, energy metabolism, normal growth, and building of muscle [44]. It is also essential for the proper function of all cells in the human body [45]. However, to meet the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for these minerals (potassium and sodium), it is important to include other complementary food sources in the diet based on _O. monoceros_ and _R. phoenicis_. On the other hand, a daily intake of 100 g of _O. monoceros_ and _R. phoenicis_ would satisfy the full RDI for trace elements such as iron, copper, and manganese, according to the recommendations by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee [30]. _R. phoenicis_ also represents a promising source of zinc in this study, which plays an important role in regulating gene expression and intracellular signaling [46]. Given the large quantity of mineral elements contained in the Coleopteran species studied, they can make a significant contribution to combating micronutrient deficiency in developing countries. The balance between sodium and potassium on the one hand and between calcium and phosphorus on the other is fundamental. When the sodium/potassium ratio in food is less than 1, as is the case for \(O\). _monoceros_ and _R. phoeniciis_, the intake of these elements is beneficial for health. When the sodium/potassium ratio is favorable, it reduces blood pressure and consequently cardiovascular accidents [47], protects renal function, and prevents lithiasis and osteoporosis [48]. The calcium/phosphorus ratio should preferably be between 1 and 1.3. The ratios for both species are within this range.