Crab sticks: health benefits and harms

Crab sticks have become popular since 1973, when in Japan there was a lack of natural crab meat for cooking traditional dishes. Despite the name, the product does not contain natural crab meat in the composition. This is not a deception of buyers, but a special trick of the Japanese, as the product was so “unofficially” called to attract buyers who wanted to try natural crab meat. In fact, the composition contains natural fish, which does not harm the body, moreover, it is very useful due to the presence in the chemical composition of many trace elements and vitamins.

What crab sticks are made of

Raw materials are carefully selected for the preparation of crab sticks so that the finished product is not only tasty, but also as useful as possible for the body. Surimi fish meat is considered the basis, and horse mackerel and herring are additionally added. Ocean fish is beneficial for the body due to the content of iodine, so it is difficult to overestimate the benefits of such seafood. If we consider the composition more precisely, then it contains such components:

• Processed fish meat.
• Prepared water.
• Natural egg white.
• Potato or corn starch.
• Vegetable fats without impurities.
• Salt and sugar to bring to taste.

Additionally, crab sticks contain flavor enhancers and natural dyes that make the product white-red. The ingredients were selected for a reason, because in aggregate they resemble the taste and texture of crab meat. Such amplifiers are added in the amount of 3-8% in relation to the total mass, therefore any harm to the human body is eliminated.

Important! Only a product that is created in compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and accepted recipes can be considered as qualitative.

Composition and calorie content

The main benefit of crab sticks is a high concentration of protein with a minimum of fats and carbohydrates. As a percentage, 100% protein, 20% fat and almost 0% carbohydrates per 100 grams of product. More precisely, this is 8 g of protein, 0.5 g of fat and 15 g of carbohydrates. But again, only trusted manufacturers can guarantee this quality, guaranteeing the safety of their products through careful manufacturing. Also in the chemical composition per 100 g of product:

• 20 mg cholesterol
• 90 mg of potassium.
• 841 mg of sodium.

The calorie content of crab sticks is 95 kcal per 100 grams, depending on the formulation of the product.

Due to the content of natural ocean fish, crab sticks are rich in vitamin PP, which positively affects the general condition of the body, strengthening it and adjusting the functioning of the main systems. Of the trace elements, chlorine and sulfur are present, and of the trace elements - zinc, chromium, fluorine, nickel and much more. All this is the so-called "building" materials for the immune system, which prevents the occurrence of colds and viral diseases. A person feels much better due to the strengthening of the whole organism.

What are the benefits of crab sticks

Crab sticks from white ocean fish are a healthy product rich in micro and macro elements.In addition to the general useful qualities, certain moments are also highlighted for women (including pregnant women), men and children.

The main advantage of crab sticks is a reduction in bad cholesterol and normalization of blood pressure due to saturation of platelets with oxygen. The walls of blood vessels are strengthened, therefore the appearance of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases is prevented.

For women

For women, crab sticks are useful due to the iron content, therefore, during menstruation, the likelihood of developing anemia decreases, indicating a reduced amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The composition contains ocean fish, which provides considerable benefits for the woman's body. These are saturated fats (Omega 3,6,9), which are necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

For men

Men more often than women suffer from bone and heart diseases due to high physical exertion. Therefore, they are advised to have foods in their diet that can strengthen the so-called problem areas. Crab sticks contribute to the dissolution of salt in bones and cartilage, which prevents the formation of deposits that interfere with the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, crab sticks are useful for women, but before use, they need to be thermally treated to eliminate substances that can lead to an allergic reaction or disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. You can cook a warm salad in which there will be fresh vegetables and processed crab sticks. This is both benefit and nutrition, which is important for the expectant mother and her baby.

Crab sticks created from white ocean fish have such a positive effect on the body of the expectant mother and fetus:

1. The level of bad cholesterol is reduced, which eliminates the increase in blood pressure.
2. The growth and development of the fetus is normalized due to its high protein content.
3. The digestive system improves.
4. Micro and macro elements, including iron, provide an increase in hemoglobin, which prevents the occurrence of anemia, which is considered a common problem in pregnancy.

Note! Only high-quality crab sticks are recommended for use, therefore, when choosing, you need to carefully consider the composition.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, the use of crab sticks is not always allowed due to the content of dyes (even natural ones) and flavor enhancers in them, since these are chemical elements that penetrate into breast milk. For a newborn, such a composition of breast milk cannot be considered useful. But doctors are allowed to introduce a product into the mother’s diet when the child reaches four months of age, since his body has already fully adapted, respectively, new products will not cause an acute reaction. It is important to consider that a product can be introduced into the diet only in a minimal amount, gradually increasing it.

Important! The recommended daily intake of crab sticks is 100 grams.

When choosing crab sticks for a nursing mother, it is important to take into account the composition, since it should not contain harmful preservatives, E-additives related to toxic substances. And also you need to remember that a healthy product cannot be cheap, so you should not save on crab sticks.

For kids

The child’s body is not yet ready for the use of so-called artificial products, which include crab sticks. The composition contains chemical elements in the form of dyes and flavor enhancers, to which the child's body can react sharply in the form of the appearance of an allergic reaction or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

But a natural product, in which there are no extraneous elements that are not characteristic of the composition of high-quality crab sticks, can be given to a child taking into account the daily norm. Children can have 50-60 grams of crab sticks per day, depending on age.Natural protein obtained from ocean fish makes the product useful for the development of the muscular and skeletal system of the child.

If the baby has an allergic reaction or there is a feeling of general malaise, then in this case, you must immediately exclude the product from the diet and rinse the stomach to remove the remnants of crab sticks.

Is it possible to eat crab sticks when losing weight

Crab sticks are useful for people who want to lose weight without harming the body and their diet. Even a crab diet has been specially created, which implies the construction of a diet in such a way that the product will be fundamental. But nutritionists warn that mono-nutrition will never succeed in the form of losing weight without harm to the body. Only a reasonable daily norm of crab sticks will allow you to benefit without additional harm.

Crab sticks in medicine

Crab sticks can be used for various diseases as a useful addition to the main diet. It is important that a natural and really high-quality product, as a rule, has no contraindications, therefore a person will not encounter adverse reactions, which can be considered an important advantage. Separately, the use of crab sticks for diabetes, pancreatitis, gout and other diseases is highlighted.

With diabetes

We can definitely say that for patients with diabetes, such a product is not included in the category of the most useful. But it can be noted with confidence that the protein in the product allows you to strengthen the muscle system and satisfy hunger.

Important! You can enter crab sticks into the diet only after consulting with your doctor.

With pancreatitis

If we talk about patients with acute pancreatitis, then crab sticks are prohibited in any quantity. Only at the onset of remission can crab sticks that have undergone heat treatment be gradually introduced. This way harmful substances are completely eliminated, due to which the product does not have an undesirable effect on the pancreas.

It is important to remember that patients with pancreatitis need to be regularly examined for an individual diet.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a “scourge” of modern times, as malnutrition, the use of alcoholic beverages, spicy and fried foods irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Crab sticks contain vegetable fats and preservatives, which can lead to a worsening of the condition, therefore it is recommended to avoid this product during exacerbation of the disease. But initially it is better to consult a doctor.

With gout

Vitamin PP is present in the composition of crab sticks, which easily removes salts and urea from the body, and this is an excellent prevention of gout. The product is very useful in the treatment of such a disease, therefore, special care is required when plotting to reduce the level of inflammation of the cartilage.

With cholecystitis

With exacerbation of cholecystitis under the complete ban, preservatives and products with the addition of E-substances, therefore crab sticks are prohibited.

It is recommended to pay attention to the fact that crab sticks during remission can be used after heat treatment, as this reduces the likelihood of gallbladder inflammation. But there are cases when, even in the stage of remission, the product is prohibited, so it is important not to neglect the advice of your doctor.

Harm and contraindications

Crab sticks are a product that, in addition to a number of useful properties, has a lot of contraindications that can negatively affect the general condition of the body. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully consider them.

The composition contains food additives E-450, E-420, E-171 and E-160, which can cause an allergic reaction that creates many physical inconveniences. People with acute allergic manifestations of food are not recommended to consume more than 150 grams of crab sticks per week (with extreme caution you can 2 times).

Given that natural protein can be combined with soy, it is not recommended to abuse the product, as this can result in the appearance of chronic diseases.

The product has the following contraindications, which you need to familiarize yourself with before buying:

1. A predisposition to allergic reactions, as well as an allergy to fish products.
2. Chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys.
3. Individual intolerance to the components of the composition.

Only a quality product that has passed the required processing and preparation is recommended for use.

How to choose and store crab sticks

Crab sticks on store shelves are presented in a wide assortment, so it is important to choose and store the product correctly in order to avoid spoilage. When choosing, it is recommended by specialists to consider such recommendations:

1. Considering that oceanic white fish is present in the composition of crab sticks, it may succumb to the negative effects of microbial bacteria, so it is better to purchase the product in vacuum packaging.
2. The composition and shelf life allows you to determine whether the product is suitable for use or it is better to refuse it in order to avoid harm to the body.
3. Food additives and stabilizers should be minimum so as not to encounter health problems later on.

Quality crab sticks must necessarily meet the following criteria:

1. Neat appearance without defects.
2. A uniform color should not have smudges and brightly colored spots, since even natural dyes are harmful to the body.
3. The structure of the product should be elastic, not fall apart and not be deformed.

As for storage, a refrigerator or freezer is suitable for this. The most important rule is compliance with the temperature regime, which will help to avoid violation of the composition and spoilage of the product.

What can be prepared from crab sticks: recipes

Crab sticks in cooking is a versatile product that can be used to make salads and snacks. The recipes are simple, so even without experience in the culinary business, you can cook delicious dishes.

Salad with crab sticks and vegetables

For cooking you will need:

• 200 grams of crab sticks.
• 2 medium-sized cucumbers (or 1 large).
• Converted corn - 1 can.
• 2 boiled chicken eggs.
• Lettuce or Beijing cabbage (it all depends on preference).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• For refueling, olive oil is suitable.

Finely chop all ingredients (eggs, crab sticks, cabbage and cucumbers). Add canned corn and vegetable oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

Crab stick cutlets

For lovers of extraordinary combinations, crab cutlets are suitable. For cooking you will need:

• 400 grams of crab sticks.
• 1-2 medium carrots.
• 1 large onion.
• 1 chicken egg.
• 3 tablespoons of sour cream.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Vegetable oil - for frying.

Twist the crab sticks, carrots and onions in a meat grinder to obtain a minced product. Add a raw egg and sour cream to give the desired viscosity. In addition, add salt and pepper. Fry the patties in hot oil on both sides for a golden brown crust.

How to quickly defrost crab sticks

Crab sticks can be quickly thawed using the following methods:

1. If the microwave has the “Defrost” function, then you can leave the product there for several minutes to completely defrost it.
2. If it is not possible to use a microwave oven, then in this case, you can put the vacuum packaging with crab sticks in an additional bag and put in a bowl of water at room temperature. This will allow the product to retain all the beneficial substances and at the same time defrost quickly.

Is it possible to fry and cook crab sticks

Crab sticks can be fried in batter to get a crispy top and soft inside. This option is ideal as a beer snack.

Cooking crab sticks is allowed, but only high-quality products that have passed a special test are suitable for this. It is recommended to pay attention to the fact that crab sticks in boiled form are safer than in raw. But, as practice shows, it is enough just to pour hot water on the product. Direct cooking is not required because high temperature destroys the composition of the product.

Is it possible to eat crab sticks in the post

Given that fish is present in crab sticks, they are not allowed to eat them in fasting. It is important to note that during Great Lent there are only a few days when the use of fish products is permitted. Many other posts allow the presence of fish in the diet. But it is better to familiarize yourself with this issue in detail or consult with knowledgeable people, since each post has its own permissions and prohibitions.

Is it possible to give crab sticks to animals

Crab sticks are a high-fish product, so protein concentration makes them suitable foods for cats and dogs. But it is important to remember that if the animal has problems with the digestive system, then unpleasant consequences can occur. An important property is the fact that the animals themselves eagerly eat the product, since the fish smell attracts them very much.

If there is a deterioration in health, it is best to consult a veterinarian who will help restore the animal to normal health.

Interesting facts about crab sticks

Crab sticks are a product that appeared a long time ago. His appearance was accompanied by many interesting facts:

1. The product first appeared in 1973 in Japan, as the lack of natural crab meat forced to come up with alternative dishes.
2. In the CIS countries, crab sticks first appeared in 1991 and immediately gained immense popularity.
3. Crab sticks have nothing to do with the product of the same name, so, in fact, the name is just made up.

Properly selected crab sticks can become the basis for many dishes, so that even gourmets can treat themselves to a delicious and nutritious product.

Photo of crab sticks