Crab meat: benefits and harm to the body

Crab meat is a delicacy characterized by excellent palatability and a very delicate texture. Crabs live in fresh and in sea water, but marine inhabitants are more valued, as they have a more pronounced taste. In addition, they contain much more useful substances.

Crab meat is extracted from claws and abdomen. Such a product is easily absorbed by the body. The meat is protected by a shell, therefore indigestible elements are not formed in it. Delicacy enriches the body with proteins, essential amino acids and various beneficial components. Such meat can not only saturate, but also improve health.

What is the difference between crab meat and crab sticks

There is nothing in common between crab meat and crab sticks. These are two completely different products. Crab meat is obtained from the limbs and abdomen of sea crabs, that is, it is a natural product. Crab sticks do not contain any crabs, instead of them chopped fish meat is used. Often, crab sticks contain only aromatic substances and soy protein, which does not mean its naturalness. Crab meat is very useful, it contains a lot of iodine accumulated during the life of a crab in the sea, and is very expensive.

Composition and calorie content

Crab meat has a rich vitamin composition. It contains almost all the vitamins belonging to group B. Such substances are useful for the digestive tract, and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. The benefit to the digestive system is the presence of protein in the meat, which is absorbed by the intestines faster than chicken or beef meat.

The crab product also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision. The main role of the marine product is still in the presence of omega fatty acids. These elements activate the brain, strengthen the protective membrane of the body. These acids contribute to improving the composition of the blood, cleansing it of cholesterol, protect against the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

In addition, meat is characterized by the content of various minerals. For example, substances such as iodine, copper and phosphorus, comprehensively affect the body, improve the activity of the thyroid gland. It is enough to consume up to 50 g of such meat in order to replenish the daily norm of iodine, which allows the thyroid gland to synthesize the necessary hormones. Niacin and nicotinic acid is able to cheer up, relieve insomnia and increase performance.

The product also contains zinc, selenium.

The calorie content of crab meat is only 70 kcal per 100 g. It follows from this that it can be used as a dietary dish.

What is useful crab meat

General benefit

Eating crab meat helps to normalize the digestion process, and is also the prevention of bloating and constipation. Meat components strengthen the cardiovascular system, help reduce bad cholesterol, have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. The product speeds up the recovery process after illness and surgery.

Regular consumption of crab meat suppresses free radicals in the human body. This product contains taurine - an amino acid that is an antioxidant.It inhibits free radicals, which protects the body from premature aging and the development of cancer. This amino acid also improves vision.

Zinc in the delicacy ensures the normal functioning of the brain and the health of the skeletal system. Potassium has a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system. Seafood iodine is responsible for thyroid health. There are also substances that maintain water-salt balance and normalize metabolism.

For women

Due to its low calorie content and high protein content, the product helps in the fight against overweight. The body is saturated with a small amount of crab meat, while providing the necessary level of protein.

As with any seafood, crab meat contains a lot of iodine. This substance contributes to the establishment of the thyroid gland. The meat of the marine inhabitant contains the daily need for iodine, which is required for the healthy functioning of the endocrine system. The product is especially useful for those women who have already experienced thyroid diseases.

Vitamins, mineral elements, amino acids and other substances in the composition of the crab product have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nail plates.

For men

The beneficial property of crab meat for men's health is that the product acts as a natural aphrodisiac. It regulates the synthesis of male sex hormones, improves sperm production and potency. In addition, the product is the prevention of male pathologies and prevents a decrease in sexual desire.

Crab meat contains almost the entire vitamin group B. It is responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Delicacy is able to improve brain activity, relieve insomnia.

Omega-3 and omega-6 acids help lower cholesterol and cleanse blood vessels. They also make the vessels stronger and improve their permeability.

The marine product is good for athletes. It contributes to the rapid recovery of muscles after exercise. The use of such meat leads to increased performance. The crab delicacy is low-calorie, therefore, overweight does not threaten it. All calories in this case will turn into energy, will not be deposited in the form of fat.

During pregnancy

During the bearing of the fetus, a woman can eat crab meat, but it must be of high quality and cooked taking into account all the rules. Before including such a product in the diet, consult a specialist.

Crabs are considered a source of fatty acids, protein, vitamin A and D. All of these components are involved in the development of the unborn child. Amino acids and antioxidants help restore energy and strengthen immunity.

Also, crab meat contains a lot of iron, which prevents the development of anemia. A large amount of calcium in seafood contributes to the normal formation of bones and teeth in the fetus. Due to the low calorie content, a woman will not have problems with being overweight during pregnancy. Folic acid in the composition of crab treats prevents various pathologies of the nervous system in the unborn baby.

To include crab meat in the diet of a pregnant woman, you should choose king crab. It is the safest, the rest of the species are unsafe, because they may contain a lot of mercury in their composition. Raw or incompletely cooked crabs can be dangerous in the presence of parasites and microorganisms that lead to poisoning. All this affects not only the condition of the woman, but also affects the development of the baby. Frozen meat should also not be eaten, as the product may be infected with deadly microorganisms.

When breastfeeding

When crab meat is introduced to a woman who is breastfeeding, it is important to follow certain rules.First of all, you need to remember that a woman can try crabs and many other seafood only from six months after the birth of the baby. And you need to do this only if the baby is absolutely healthy. The first portion should be very small.

If you have to try a salad with crab meat, you need to make sure that the dish does not contain other components that will be new to the child. For example, corn, which is most often used for salads, can cause gas in children. After the first use, a couple of days should refrain from introducing new products in order to monitor the condition of the child. In the event of an allergy in the baby, crab meat must be excluded from the diet.

For kids

In childhood, crab meat is consumed only in small quantities. The product strengthens the protective membrane of the body, contributes to the development and active growth of the child. For a schoolboy, the meat of a marine inhabitant is useful in that it improves brain activity, as a result of which the baby remembers new information faster.

You can introduce crab meat into a child’s diet from the age of six, when his body is used to various foods and easily assimilates them.

For highly sensitive children, this product is contraindicated, since an allergic reaction may occur.

When losing weight

Crab meat not only has few calories, but also contains a lot of protein, which is quickly absorbed, saturating the body for a long time. It is low in carbohydrates and fats, which lead to the accumulation of excess weight. From this it follows that crab meat during weight loss is very effective. Losing weight on such a product is quite simple, since you can cook a variety of dishes from it. The delicacy is combined with vegetables, rice, it can be used as an ingredient for salads. You can reduce weight by baking seafood, steaming. Compared to chicken or beef, the crab product has almost no coarse dietary fiber, as a result of which it is quickly digested and absorbed by the body.

In case of allergies to other seafood, crab meat should also be excluded. It can also be contaminated with toxic substances due to water pollution from chemical emissions. Crab is able to accumulate such harmful compounds. With the regular use of a toxic product, severe poisoning can occur.

Crab meat in medicine

Unsaturated fatty acids in crab meat normalize cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve the elasticity of the skin and prevent the development of skin diseases. Also, these substances reduce the risk of cancer.

Experts recommend eating such meat several times a week, combining it with rice and other cereals.

Crab meat helps to lower blood pressure, prevents the development of atherosclerosis and diseases of the digestive tract. It contains an easily digestible protein that is quickly digested, has a soft and soft structure, which does not lead to irritation of the intestinal walls and disorders in the digestive tract.

Seafood stimulates the production of testosterone, which restores spermatogenesis, increases libido and potency in men.

The content of nicotinic acid, magnesium and other substances in crab meat helps to reduce nervous tension and stress. The product improves overall well-being and uplifting. Regular consumption of crab delicacy helps improve memory.

With diabetes

Seafood is characterized by the presence of a large number of nutrients, is quickly and easily absorbed by the body and, without any restrictions, can be included in the diet of people with diabetes. Such a product contains only a small number of sugars. However, it is important to comply with the norm, you should not lean on such natural products.

Important: the glycemic index of crab meat is 0 units.

With pancreatitis

Crab meat is considered an exquisite and very useful delicacy, which contains various trace elements and vitamins. Crabs are a source of diet food, as such a product contains protein, a small amount of fat and no carbohydrates. Such meat can be consumed not only in case of pancreatitis, but also with cholecystitis and other similar diseases. It is important to boil a crab delicacy before use in food and do not use spices and hot spices.

Crab meat can only be consumed during a period of sustained remission of pancreatitis, and you can even use a canned product for the preparation of salads and soups.

With gout

With gouty arthritis, you can eat boiled crab meat or steamed. Fried, smoked and canned foods are contraindicated in this disease. The product is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Therefore, doctors recommend including it in the diet with a calm course of gout or during a period of stable remission.

It is important to use the crab delicacy in moderation, since its excess in the diet can cause an exacerbation of the pathology. Seafood contains purines, the decay of which increases the content of uric acid.

During an exacerbation, crab meat should not be used. At this stage, it is important to adhere to a strict diet. Soup and crab broth are also contraindicated due to their high purine content.

Harm and contraindications

With moderate consumption of crab meat, there will be no harm to the body. However, you should not use it in the diet of people prone to allergic reactions.

Crabs are natural creatures, so they can contain radioactive compounds and be infected with dangerous bacteria. Their meat can be dangerous even when crabs are caught in contaminated water. Therefore, before purchasing such a delicacy, you should require a certificate from the seller that confirms its compliance with sanitary requirements.

People with an allergy to sea protein are forbidden to consume any seafood, including crab meat.

How to choose and store

You can buy crab meat in frozen, fresh or ready-made form.

1. The best option is to buy live crabs. Among living marine life, it is necessary to pay attention to younger and more active individuals, but they should not be small.
2. Young crabs can be identified by a denser shell. It is better to buy males, you can distinguish them from females by a shorter tail bent under the belly.
3. The body of the crab should not be damaged, since harmful bacteria accumulate in them, which can harm a person. Also, the meat of such an individual will not be so tasty.
4. If there is a strong "fishy" smell, this suggests that the animals were stored for a long time and incorrectly.
5. If there are spots on the shell, it is better to refuse such a product.
6. You can identify a spoiled product by a shell that has lost its luster.

At room temperature, crab meat is stored for only a couple of hours. In finished form, the product should be stored in food foil.

It is recommended to use plastic containers for freezing. In this form, crabs can be stored for a year. Meat, cleaned from offal, is stored for two days longer than whole crabs.

Live individuals should be kept in the refrigerator as low as possible so that they are stored longer. A great place in this case are departments for vegetables. Store the product in salted water. However, a lot of water is not required, just moisten the carcasses without drowning them. Living animals need access to oxygen.

How to thaw crab meat

Crab meat is a seafood, the defrosting of which should be carried out in several stages. First of all, you should move the meat from the freezer to the top shelf of the refrigerator for several hours. Next, you need a couple of hours to lower the product to the lower shelf. In this case, the crab will be able to retain all its beneficial properties and taste characteristics.

It is not recommended to defrost a delicacy in hot water, at room temperature or using a microwave. This will spoil not only the appearance and taste of the product, but also contribute to the fact that part of the nutrients evaporate.

What can be cooked from crab meat: recipes

In many countries, crab meat is used for cooking various dishes. You can use this seafood in boiled or frozen form, as well as as canned food. There are many dishes based on this delicacy, this ingredient goes well with many products, you can use it for cooking hot and cold dishes.

Salad

To prepare a salad of crab meat, you need to cut 0.5 kg of natural meat of this marine animal with thin chips. Next, boil four eggs, lay the yolks, and cut the proteins into strips. After this, chop the red onion into cubes and marinate it in vinegar for 8-10 minutes. After this time, the vegetable must be washed under water and dried. You will also need two cucumbers, from which you should remove the peel, and then grind it on a grater. The same needs to be done with 150 g of hard cheese. The crushed ingredients must be combined in a bowl, add three tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix. Optionally, the appetizer can be decorated with herbs.

Cutlets

Cutlets can be made from crab meat. To do this, take 200 g of meat and cut into small pieces. To it should be added one chopped onion, two boiled eggs, finely chopped, 100 g of cheese chopped on a grater and two cloves of garlic. All components must be mixed until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. After that, in the resulting mass, you need to add a raw egg and form cutlets. Next, the balls should be rolled in breadcrumbs and give them the necessary shape. It takes about 20 minutes to fry. The dish is ready!

Soup

Crab meat soup is much appreciated by seafood lovers. This dish is very light and hearty. 300 g of a natural meat product, three cloves of garlic, one onion, 150 g of canned tomatoes, 50 ml of cream, as well as herbs, salt and spices to taste, should be prepared from the ingredients. If the crab product is purchased fresh, it must be dipped in boiling, salted water and cook for 15–20 minutes. Chop the onion and garlic and fry in oil until tender. Next, clean the crab from the shell, chop and add to the vegetables. Pour a spoonful of broth in which the crab was cooked into the resulting mass and season with spices. After that, chopped tomatoes must be put in the pan, pour in a liter of the available broth and cook for five minutes. It remains only to include cream in a dish, put crab meat with vegetables and cook for a couple of minutes. Ready soup can be served with herbs.

Interesting facts about crabs

1. There are more than 4.5 thousand species of crabs. They can have a different appearance, but each of the representatives has two claws and eight legs.
2. The spider crab has the longest leg span, which is almost four meters. It turns out that his limb is almost five times longer than a person’s legs. The weight of such a marine inhabitant reaches 20 kg, such individuals live for about half a century.
3. The smallest member of the squad is pea crab, which has a length of several millimeters.
4. To attract the attention of females, male crabs perform special dances, in which they knock claws and rattle with their carapace.
5. People began to eat crabs for a very long time. At present, almost one and a half million tons of such marine animals are eaten around the world annually.
6. The crab shell is not able to grow with it. For this reason, representatives of crustaceans constantly molt, discarding the old outer skeleton and growing a new one. At the age of one year, the crab manages to change the shell 6-7 times. Adult individuals do this much less frequently - 1-2 times during the year.
7. In the fight against predators, the crab may lose a limb, but it soon grows back. Such marine life is used to living in any environment. They adapted to the icy waters of Antarctica, and to boiling geysers located on the ocean floor. They can also live on rocks, away from water and even in the hollow of a tree.
8. The teeth of the crab are located in the stomach.

Photo of crab meat