Health Benefits of Crabs

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Crab is a crustacean with 2 stalked eyes, broad carapace and 5 pairs of legs that thrive mainly on seashores.

Crustacean belongs to an infraorder of Brachyura distinguished by a short projecting tail or abdomen. Although not every crab lives in the sea as some live in freshwater while others live on land. 

There are approximately eight hundred and fifty crab species found in both seashores, freshwater, terrestrial and semi-terrestrial habitats.

Crabs breathes through gills, possesses jointed shells known as the hard exoskeleton and normally grows by moulting or shedding off its old shell to make way for a new shell growth. The hard exoskeleton is made up of calcium carbonate.

Crab is omnivorous in nature being that it can feed on a variety of food, both plant and animal origins such as fungi, clams, shellfish, bacteria, worms, fish and other crustaceans.

Crab has a good sense of smell, sight, taste and can feel pain due to its sensory nerves. It is quite active and can be easily distinguished due to its complex behavioral style.

There is incredible variation in the types of crabs on land and in the water, but Portunus trituberculatus is the species most likely to end up on your plate.

Although some people attest that crab is not safe for human consumption yet, several researchers and nutritionists claim that it is nutritionally safe to consume. So, don’t panic!

Crab meat is commonly found on menus around the world, but it is far more than just a delicious entree.

HOW DO WE GET ITS NUTRITION?

The crab exoskeleton must first be broken and separated in order to access the nutritious meat underneath, and in some larger species, the amount of meat inside may surprise you.

Crab meat is packed with essential fats, nutrients, and minerals that the human body needs to function normally. 

All shellfish, including crab, have generous amounts of selenium. Crabs, like all shellfish, are also a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. Crab is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, B-vitamins and many other essential minerals thus suitable for boosting human nutrition that’ll will keep your body healthier. 

Crab meat has delectable taste and it ranks third after shrimps and lobsters due to its distinctive savour.

LET’S GO DOWN TO THE TOP LIST OF HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING CRABS!

PROMOTES HEALTHY TEETH AND BONE 

Crabs’ meat is high of calcium and phosphorus, it is suitable for maintaining healthy teeth and bone development. The chitin in crab helps to promote osteogenesis – which is the formation of bone.

(See also: Top Probable Cause Of Tooth Decay and What You Can Do About It)

IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION 

Crab meat also includes copper, vitamin B2, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. This combination is great for cognition and nervous system activity. It also reduces inflammation and plaque in your neural pathways. The high amount of omega-3 fatty acids in crab aid brain development and boosts memory.

(See also: 11 Foods to Eat to Increase Your Brain Capacity)

IMPROVES CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM 

The omega-3 fatty acids in crabs helps to promote the healthy functioning of the heart thus preventing heart-related diseases such as heart failure, heart attacks. The phosphorus in crab aids in the contraction of the heart muscle.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY 

Selenium in crabs has been directly linked to stimulating immune system activity, and also acts as an antioxidant to protect the body from chronic diseases.

PREVENTS CANCER 

Crab is suitable for preventing the onset of cancer due to its rich constituent of selenium. Selenium is an anti-oxidant and cancels out the carcinogenic effects of cadmium, mercury and arsenic, which can cause tumors in humans. In fact, the higher the selenium level, the lower the risks of cancer.

(See also: Top 10 Cancer-Causing Foods)

REGULATES CHOLESTEROL LEVEL 

Crab meat is considered low in saturated fat, the presence of chromium helps increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol) in your body, and thus reduces the risk of strokes, coronary and circulatory heart disease. Crabs also contains sterol which restrict absorption of other harmful cholesterol. 

(See also: Signs of Too Much Cholesterol)

REGULATES THE BLOOD PRESSURE 

The potassium and omega-3 fatty acids present in crab are essential for regulating the blood pressure level.

(See also: Must Not Be Eaten Food To Avoid High Blood Pressure)

IMPROVES BLOOD SUGAR METABOLISM 

The high amount of chromium in crabs make it suitable to have insulin resistance. Chromium in crab helps to improve the blood sugar metabolism thus reducing the blood glucose levels in the body. The chromium in crab facilitates the action of insulin thus preventing the onset of diabetes.

(See also: Top 9 Worst Food For A Diabetic)

IDEAL FOR PREGNANT WOMEN 

Being an excellent source of vitamin B and omega 3 acids, crab is highly recommended during pregnancy. 

(See also: 3 Healthiest Foods For Baby)

HEALS WOUNDS 

The presence of chitin in crabs make it suitable for facilitating and accelerating wound healing process as it also acts as a wound-healing accelerator as well as helps to protect a wound from bacterial invasion through suppression of bacterial proliferation.

Some of the health benefits of consuming crabs include aids balanced weight, prevents blood clotting, prevent nutritional deficiencies, increase circulation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, detoxifies the body and as many as it is. 

(See also: Natural Body Cleansing Remedies) 

 

Crab meat is a wonder meat that many people may have overlooked, but now you have proof of the wonders it can do. Go, treat yourself, but don’t forget to take it moderately!

Crabs are a delicious seafood choice that many people enjoy by themselves during a feast or when made into cakes, salads, or other recipes. 

Different countries have different crab cuisines, for example, it can be roasted, cooked whole, deep-fried, steamed, skewered, boiled or baked.

 

MUST RECIPE FOR CRABS

You can try looking for more crab recipes and other Seafood Recipes that you may add in your liking.

The benefits of crab meat are manifold, but it’s important to remember that crabs do possess high levels of sodium and cholesterol. 

For people suffering from cardiovascular conditions or high cholesterol, adding crab to your diet on a regular basis may do more harm than good. 

Speak to a nutritionist or your medical professional before making any major changes to your diet.

(Read next: Top 10 Seafood Recipes of Panlasang Pinoy Recipes)

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Please be advised that all of the information on this website is based on research and is provided for informational purposes only. Visitor who either use this Site and rely on any information do so at their own risk.

 

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