The crab is a type of crustacean that is found on sea shores. It falls under the category of seafood and tastes amazing. We generally consume the meat and marrow of the crab in the form of various recipes that further enhances its taste. They are enjoyed as food all over the world because of their amazing taste. There are various edible varieties of crab which includes the Blue crab, Dungeness crab, King Crab, Horseshoe Crab and the Peekytoe Crab.
We all know how amazing a crab tastes if cooked properly but we rarely know about the various health benefits it has to offer. Indeed, crabs are extremely nutritive in nature. They are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. So who wouldn’t love to consume crab, especially when it’s so nutritive and tastes amazingly wonderful?
Crab meat – Nutritional Information
Approximately 1 cup (135 grams) of crab meat contains the following nutritive value.
- Calories 112Kcal
- Carbohydrate 2g
- Total fat 1g
- Protein 24g
- Calcium 123mg
- Magnesium 49mg
- Potassium 350mg
- Niacin 3.7mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2mg
- Pantothenic acid 1.3mg
- Folate 69µg
- Vitamin B12 4.5µg
- Vitamin E 2.5mg
As we can see 1 cup of crab meat is highly rich in various vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids which makes it a fantastic nutritive food. Compared to other foods, crab is also low in fat, calories and carbohydrates. So it could be a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight.
Health Benefits of Crab
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Crabs are actually very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids crabs are considered great in preventing any heart diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are also considered great for the prevention of eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are also considered great for improving your vision. Eating crab meat would help you to develop immunity against such conditions.
Rich in protein
You already know the importance of protein in your body if you are a bodybuilder or a fitness freak. Just like prawns, crabs also contain a good amount of protein. It contains about 20g of protein per 100g of crab meat. Moreover, it does not contain any saturated fat. So, overall if you are on any type of diet that includes protein-rich foods into it, crab meat can easily fit into it.
High selenium content
Okay so here’s the catch, most shellfishes lack selenium content in them. But crabs are actually rich in selenium. Selenium is a nutrient that plays a major role in maintaining thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis. So overall, selenium boosts our overall immunity by protecting against cell damage and infections caused by cell damage. Consuming crab meat can help you get the selenium content your body requires.
Considered great for your brain
Seafood is always considered great for your brain. This is because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids in large amounts. Crab, being seafood also helps in boosting your brain and prevents the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease. Various researches prove that consuming crabs can help you in boosting your brain function and overall memory.
Rich in Phosphorous
Another important mineral that crab meat is rich in is phosphorous. Phosphorous is highly essential in our body for maintaining our tissues and cells. Phosphorous plays a key role in the growth, maintenance and repair of all tissues and cells.
Phosphorous is also related to the production of DNA, RNA and also helps in making your bones and teeth stronger. The daily requirement of Phosphorous in our body is 4000mg. This is easily fulfilled as Phosphorous is one of the most abundant minerals in our body but if you are slightly missing out on the daily requirement you easily fulfill it by having crabs once a week.
Crabs also contain calcium along with phosphorous which in turn helps in strengthening your bones and teeth.
Contains Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a major role in forming RBC and DNA. Moreover, Vitamin B12 is also necessary to boost your brain functions and energy. There are various sources of Vitamin B12, out of which crab meat is also a source. Although the amount of Vitamin B12 present in crab is very less, but yes less is always better than nothing. Crab is considered great seafood for the prevention of megaloblastic anemia because of the presence of Vitamin B12.
Contains Copper
Copper is an essential mineral that is required by the body in trace amounts. It’s worth saying that crabs are also rich in copper. Copper along with iron plays a major role in the formation of blood cells. It also works as an immunity booster and also takes part in the maintenance of blood vessels, nerves and bones. Copper is produced within the body, as a result, food items like crabs can come in handy under such scenarios.
Side effects of eating Crab
Although there are no major side effects of eating crabs, one should be very cautious under certain scenarios.
- If you have Anaphylaxis or Shellfish allergy you should prohibit yourself from consuming crabs. Also if you have a fish allergy, you should always consult your doctor before consuming crabs.
- Also, crabs contain a negligible amount of mercury which may not be dangerous if crabs are cooked thoroughly and boiled well. But if they are not cooked well, it can be a matter of concern.
- Crabs also contain higher amounts of sodium and cholesterol. So if you have high blood pressure or have any cardiovascular diseases, you should definitely consult your doctor before consuming crabs.
As you can clearly see, crab is a highly nutritive seafood that possesses several health benefits if cooked correctly. There are various recipes for crabs available online which will help you to consume them if you haven’t eaten crabs previously. Trust me, try it once and you will fall in love with the taste of crabs.
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