Crabsticks: what are they made of and what are their health benefits?

Crab sticks have been popular since 1973, when Japan had a shortage of natural crab meat for traditional dishes. Despite the name, the product does not contain natural crab meat in its composition. This is in no way a deception of customers, but a special trick of the Japanese, as so "unofficially" called the product to attract customers who wanted to try natural crab meat. In fact, there is a natural fish, which is not harmful to the body, moreover, it is very useful due to the presence in the chemical composition of many trace elements and vitamins.

What are crabsticks made of?

For the preparation of crab sticks, the raw materials are carefully selected so that the finished product was not only tasty, but also the most useful for the body. The basis is the meat of the fish surimi, and in addition added mackerel and herring. Oceanic fish is good for the body due to the content of iodine, so it is difficult to overestimate the usefulness of such seafood. If we consider the composition more precisely, there are such components:

• Processed fish meat.
• Prepared water.
• Natural egg protein.
• Potato or corn starch.
• Unadulterated vegetable fats.
• Salt and sugar to bring to taste.

In addition, the composition of the crab sticks contains flavor enhancers and natural dyes, which make the product white and red. The ingredients are selected for a reason, because together they resemble the taste and texture of crab meat. Such enhancers are added at a rate of 3-8% in relation to the total mass, so any harm to the human body is excluded.

Important! Quality can be considered only that product, which is created in compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and approved formulation.

Composition and calories

The main benefit of crab sticks lies in the high concentration of protein with a minimum of fats and carbohydrates. The percentage per 100 grams of the product falls 80% protein, 20% fat and almost 0% carbohydrates. To be precise, it is 8 g of protein, 0.5 g of fat and 15 g of carbohydrates. But again, only verified producers who guarantee the safety of their products through careful manufacturing are able to please such quality. Also in the chemical composition per 100 g of product:

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

The caloric value of crab sticks is 95 kcal per 100 grams, depending on the recipe of the product.

Due to the content of natural oceanic fish, crab sticks are rich in vitamin PP, which has a positive effect on the overall condition of the body, strengthening it and improving the functioning of major systems. Chlorine and sulfur are macronutrients, and zinc, chromium, fluorine, nickel and many others are microelements. All these are 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 entire body.

What are the benefits of crab sticks

Crab sticks from white ocean fish is a useful product that is rich in micro and macronutrients. In addition to the general useful qualities, there are also separate points for women (including pregnant women), men and children.

The main advantage of crab sticks is the reduction of harmful cholesterol and normalization of blood pressure by saturating platelets with oxygen. Vascular walls are strengthened, so atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases are prevented.

For women

For women, crab sticks are useful due to the iron content, so during menstruation there is a reduced likelihood of anemia, indicating a reduced amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The composition includes ocean fish, which provides many benefits to the body of a woman. 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 disease because of the heavy physical activity. Therefore, it is recommended for them to have in their diet foods that can strengthen the so-called problem areas. Crab sticks help dissolve salt in the bones and cartilage, which prevents the appearance of deposits that disrupt the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

When pregnant

Crab sticks are useful for women during pregnancy, but before using them, they need to be heat treated to eliminate substances that can lead to an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal disturbances. You can make a warm salad with fresh vegetables and processed crab sticks. This is both beneficial and nutritious, 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. Harmful cholesterol levels are reduced, which eliminates high blood pressure.
2. The growth and development of the fetus is normalized due to the high protein content.
3. The work of the digestive system is improved.
4. Micro- and macronutrients, including iron, provide an increase in hemoglobin, which prevents the appearance of anemia, which is considered a common problem in pregnancy.

Please note! Only high-quality crab sticks are recommended for consumption, so you should carefully consider the features of the composition when choosing.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, it is not always allowed to eat crab sticks due to their content of dyes (even if natural) and flavor enhancers, because these are chemical elements that penetrate into breast milk. This composition of mother's milk cannot be considered healthy for a newborn baby. But doctors allow the product to be introduced into the mother's diet when the baby is four months old, since his body has already fully adapted, so the new products will not cause an acute reaction. It is important to note that the product can be introduced into the diet only in minimal quantities, gradually increasing it.

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

When choosing crab sticks for breastfeeding mothers, it is important to consider the composition, because it should not contain harmful preservatives, E additives relating to poisonous substances. And you also need to remember that a healthy product can not cost cheap, so you should not save money on crab sticks.

For children

Children's body is not yet ready for the use of so-called artificial products, which can include crab sticks. There are chemical elements in the form of dyes and flavor enhancers, to which the child's body may react violently in the form of allergic reactions or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

But a natural product, which has no extraneous elements that are not inherent in the composition of high-quality crab sticks, you can give a child, taking into account the daily rate. Children can be given 50-60 grams of crab sticks a day, depending on age. Natural protein derived from oceanic fish makes the product useful for the development of the child's muscular and bone system.

If the baby has an allergic reaction or a feeling of general malaise, then you should immediately exclude the product from the diet and flush the stomach to eliminate the remains of crab sticks.

Is it possible to eat crab sticks while losing weight?

Crab sticks are useful for people who want to lose excess weight without harming their body or their diet. Even a crab diet has been specially created, which involves building a diet in such a way that the product will be fundamental. But nutritionists warn that a mono diet will never succeed in losing weight without harming the body. Only a reasonable daily rate of crab sticks will allow for benefits without additional harm.

Crab sticks in medicine

Crab sticks can be used for various diseases as a useful addition to the basic diet. The important thing is that the natural and really high quality product usually has no contraindications, so a person will not encounter adverse reactions, which can be considered an important advantage. The use of crab sticks for diabetes, pancreatitis, gout and other diseases stands out separately.

For diabetics

It can be said unequivocally that for diabetic patients, this product is not 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 muscular system and satisfy hunger.

Important! You can introduce crab sticks into the diet only after consulting with the treating doctor.

In pancreatitis.

If we talk about patients with acute pancreatitis, crab sticks are forbidden in any quantity. Only with the onset of remission stage, you can gradually drive crab sticks that have undergone heat treatment. In this way harmful substances are completely eliminated, so that the product has no undesirable effect on the pancreas.

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

Gastritis

Gastritis is the "scourge" of modern times, because poor diet, the use of alcoholic beverages, spicy and fried food irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Crab sticks have in their composition vegetable fats and preservatives, which can lead to a worsening of the condition, so it is recommended to avoid this product when the disease is exacerbated. But initially it is better to consult a doctor.

With gout

The composition of crab sticks contains vitamin PP, 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 this disease, so special care is required when scheduling to reduce inflammation of the cartilage.

In cholecystitis.

In acute cholecystitis, preservatives and products with added E-compounds are completely prohibited, so crab sticks are among the prohibited ones.

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

Harms and contraindications

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

There are food additives E-450, E-420, E-171 and E-160, which can cause an allergic reaction, creating many physical discomfort. People with acute food allergies are not recommended to consume more than 150 grams of crab sticks per week (with special caution can be 2 times).

Given the fact that the natural protein can be combined with soy protein, it is not recommended to abuse the product, because it can turn out the appearance of chronic diseases.

The product has the following contraindications, which should be read before buying:

1. Predisposition to allergic reactions, as well as allergies to fish products.
2. Chronic liver and kidney disease.
3. Individual intolerance to the components in the composition.

Only a quality product that has undergone 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 range, so it is important to choose and store the product correctly to avoid spoilage. Specialists recommend to take into account the following recommendations when choosing:

1. Given that the composition of crab sticks contains oceanic white fish, it can be susceptible to the negative effects of microbacteria, so it is better to buy the product in a vacuum pack.
2. The composition and expiration date allows you to determine whether the product is suitable for consumption or it is better to give it up to avoid harm to the body.
3. Nutritional additives and stabilizers should be a minimum, so as not to face health problems later.

Quality crab sticks must meet the following criteria:

1. A neat appearance with no defects.
2. Uniform color should not have blemishes and brightly colored places, as even natural dyes are harmful to the body.
3. The structure of the product should be elastic, not falling apart and not deformed.

As for storage, a refrigerator or freezer will do. The most important rule - the observance of temperature conditions, which will help to avoid violations of the composition and spoilage of the product.

What can be cooked from crab sticks: recipes

Crab sticks in cooking is a versatile product that can be used to prepare salads and appetizers. The recipes are simple, so even without experience in cooking, you can prepare 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 jar.
• 2 boiled chicken eggs.
• Lettuce leaves or Peking cabbage (it all depends on preference).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• For dressing - olive oil.

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

Crab cakes

For lovers of unconventional combinations, crab cakes will do. 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.

Grind crab sticks, carrots and onions on a meat grinder to make minced meat. Add raw egg and sour cream to give the necessary viscosity. Add salt and pepper. Fry the cutlets in glowing vegetable oil on both sides for a crispy crust.

How to defrost crabsticks fast

Crabsticks can be defrosted quickly using the following methods:

1. If your microwave has a "Defrost" function, you can leave the product in there for a few minutes to defrost completely.
2. If there is no possibility to use the microwave, in this case you can put the vacuum pack with crab sticks in an additional bag and put it in a bowl with water at room temperature. This will allow the product to retain all the nutrients and at the same time defrost quickly.

Can I Roast and Boil Crab Sticks

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

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

Can I Eat Crab Sticks in Lent?

Given the fact that crab sticks contain fish, it is not allowed to eat them during Lent. It is important to note that during Lent there are only a few days when fish products are allowed. Many other Lenten fasts allow fish in the diet. But it is better to read this issue in detail or consult with knowledgeable people, as each fast has its own permissions and prohibitions.

Can I Give Crab Sticks to Animals

Crab sticks are a product high in fish, so the concentration of protein makes them a suitable food for cats and dogs. But it is important to remember that if the animal has problems with the digestive system, there may be unpleasant consequences. An important property is also considered to be that the animals themselves are eager to eat the product, because the smell of fish attracts them very much.

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

Interesting facts about crab sticks

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

1. The product first appeared in 1973 in Japan, as the shortage of natural crab meat forced to come up with alternative dishes.
2. In CIS countries crab sticks first appeared in 1991 and immediately became very popular.
3. Crab sticks have nothing in common with the product of the same name, so, in fact, the name is simply made up.

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

Photo of crab sticks