Post Harvest Technology :: Seafoods - Crab
Crabs belong to the group of aquatic creatures called crustaceans, identified by their hard shells and ten appendages or legs. Crabs grow in size by a process of molting - they shed their hard shell, and swell up in size by ingesting lots of water.
For a few days, they are covered only by a soft shell, which gradually hardens, until the next molting. Some gourmets prefer these soft-shelled crabs, claiming they are more succulent and sweet. Crabs make up 20% of all marine crustaceans caught, farmed, and consumed worldwide, amounting to 1.5 million tonnes annually. |
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Nutritional composition of Crab:
Crab meat is nutritionally good as it is high in vitamins and high quality proteins and amino acids. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorus and iron, while having lower levels of fat and carbohydrates. The taste, texture and nutritional benefits of crab meat make it a versatile delicacy used in a wide variety of dishes like salads, soups, pates, starters, or served as a main course.
| Nutrients |
Amount |
| Calories |
87 kcal |
| Proteins |
18 g |
| Water |
79 g |
| Ash |
1.8 g |
| Carbohyrates |
40 mg |
| Cholesterol |
78 mg |
| Fats & Fatty Acids |
|
| Total Fat |
1 g |
| Saturated Fat |
222 mg |
| Monounsaturated Fat |
192 mg |
| Polyunsaturated Fat |
387 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
320 mg |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids |
12 mg |
| Vitamins |
|
| Vitamin A |
5 IU |
| Vitamin C |
3 mg |
| Thiamin |
80 mcg |
| Riboflavin |
40 mcg |
| Niacin |
2.7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 |
150 mcg |
| Folate |
43 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 |
9 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid |
350 mcg |
| Minerals |
|
| Calcium |
89 mg |
| Iron |
740 mcg |
| Magnesium |
34 mcg |
| Phosphorus |
229 mcg |
| Potassium |
329 mcg |
| Sodium |
293 mcg |
| Zinc |
3.6 mg |
| Copper |
668 mcg |
| Manganese |
150 mcg |
| Selenium |
37 mcg |
Health Benefits of Crab
- Vitamin B12 -Crabs are excellent sources of Vitamin B12, a nutrient needed by the body to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent pernicious anemia.
- selenium - Guards against rheumatoid arthritis. Selenium works with other antioxidants to help prevent oxidative stress
- Protein - Boosts growth and development for growing children . It also keeps hair, nails and skin healthy.
- Copper - Copper, together with zinc improves the absorption of vitamin D, the vitamin which aids in the absorption of calcium.
- Zinc - zinc helps to control the production of oil in the skin and prevents acne.
- niacin - niacin raise the good cholesterol in the body and lowers your bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- magnesium -
Magnesium helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, an activity which is linked in promoting healthy blood pressure levels.
- Riboflavin - Prevents ariboflavinosis and angular cheilitis
- Folate - Assists in healthy pregnancy
- Omega-3 fatty acids - Lowers risk of heart disease
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Source :
http://chickenofthesea.com/company/know-your-seafood/crab-meat
http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/crab-nutrition.php
http://health.wikinut.com/10-Health-Benefits-of-Crabs/337spzb0/
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