The benefits and harms of crab sticks for health

Crab sticks - a well-known product, which is an imitation of crab meat. There are many different recipes for cooking. And although there is no crab meat in their composition, the sticks have gained their popularity due to their unusual taste and reasonable price.

What are crab sticks prepared from

The main contents of crab sticks are surimi. So the Japanese called minced meat derived from ocean fish. The composition includes the following varieties of fish: mackerel, hake, blue whiting, pollock, etc.

The process of making surimi consists of repeated washing of the fish fillet, grinding and mixing to a uniform consistency.The mass is then centrifuged to remove excess liquid. The result is a soft mass with a pleasant fishy smell and taste. It is due to its properties that surimi is used to imitate many seafood, including crab sticks.

Surimi is considered a useful product that includes in its composition a rich mineral composition and vitamins. After processing, the amount of these substances is reduced. Some manufacturers add to the surimi offal, which leads to a decrease in the quality of minced meat and change its smell, taste and color.

To save raw materials in the crab sticks put soy protein. It is known that soy is a product of gene modification and opponents of this method should read the composition of crab sticks on the package. In such cases, they need to look for the inscription "non-GMO".

In crab sticks is present: egg powder, vegetable oil, starch, salt and sugar. Many chemicals are added to make them taste special.

The composition of crab sticks

The chemical composition of crab sticks is rich, they contain:

• Micro macronutrients (chromium, chlorine, iron, iodine, zinc, nickel, molybdenum).
• Nicotinic acid and vitamin PP.

Crab sticks are low-calorie products, so they can be consumed by people who watch their weight. Their nutritional value per 100 g is only 100 kcal.

Fully useful contents of crab sticks is not, because its composition contains not only natural ingredients.

The positive properties of crab sticks

Crab sticks will not replace completely fresh fish. However, they can be a nice addition to the diet and make it a variety. Experts recommend eating no more than 100 g of crab sticks per day.

100 g of the product contains calcium (13 mg) and magnesium (43 mg). These minerals have a beneficial effect on the blood vessels, heart, and nervous system.

It is useful to use crab sticks in diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The benefits of crab sticks

Talk about some special useful properties of crab sticks is impossible. Even if used product is of the highest quality, then the only ingredient that has a positive effect is fish protein. It contains a small amount of minerals and vitamins. The proportion of protein in the product is negligible.

Crab sticks in the diet

Crab sticks are useful for losing weight. They can be used as a dietary product that is quickly absorbed and saturated with the body.

"Crab" diet involves eating 200 g of sticks a day, a liter of milk and at least 2 liters of water. This diet must be observed within 4 days. The sticks containing only surimi and salt do not exist, therefore a longer stay on such a menu is prohibited.

Before starting a diet, you should consult a doctor to avoid negative consequences.

Crab sticks in cooking

Crab sticks can be used to prepare a variety of dishes. These include salads and snacks, in rare cases they are used in recipes for hot dishes.Especially attractive is the combination of crab sticks with canned corn, which has long been a classic among hostesses. Therefore, they can be found on any holiday table.

How to choose high-quality crab sticks

The choice of high-quality product must be approached with all responsibility. Initially, you should pay attention to the color of crab sticks.

A good product is usually white in color with a uniform structure, which after defrosting retains a soft texture. Sticks should not be saturated with water.

It is not recommended to buy the product by weight, because in this case there is completely no information about the manufacturer and their content.

Before choosing crab sticks, you must carefully review their composition. The first place in it should be surimi. In a useful product, the percentage of it is not less than 40%. Although manufacturers rarely indicate the proportions of the components on the packaging. In the case when the first ingredient of crab sticks is soy protein or starch, then it is best to refuse to purchase them. Such a product will not bring any benefit to the body.Ideally, protein should be completely absent in sticks, and starch should be only 8-10%.

They are usually painted pink on one side and white on the other. If they are saturated bright red, then this may indicate the use of artificial dyes. Usually for this purpose carmine and paprika are used.

Quality sticks are not cheap, and they must be sold in original packaging. And in the composition must be present in greater quantities of natural ingredients.

Harm of crab sticks

Food additives present in the composition of the product (E-450, E-420, E-171 and E-160) can cause allergic reactions. People suffering from this disease, it is necessary to carefully use crab sticks. With this composition, the product is completely absent nutrients, and its nutritional value will be zero.

Due to the fact that crab sticks do not undergo heat treatment, their infection with pathogenic microorganisms is possible. The product is best bought in vacuum packaging, which protects against dirt and pathogens.

The soy protein contained in the product may exacerbate chronicdiseases. People suffering from diseases of the liver and kidneys, should eat crab sticks in minimal quantities.

Product limitations include:

• individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• age of the child up to 3 years.
• gastritis;
• diabetes

Crab sticks are not useful or harmful products. A large number of minced fish is present in high quality products. Sticks can be considered as a dish used in dietary nutrition. A large number of harmful additives in them with regular consumption can harm the body. Therefore, the sticks must be consumed in minimal quantities, and buy from trusted manufacturers.

Video: all that you did not know about crab sticks!