Is Imitation Crab Meat Healthy for You. A 3-ounce serving of imitation crab has 86 calories. Carbohydrate needs may differ from person-to-person as well, but the general recommendation stands at 130 grams per day. Imitation crab meat is a versatile ingredient that costs far less than the real thing. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Imitation crab comes in the form of sticks, and that’s why sometimes it is referred to as crab sticks. Compared to fresh crab meat, it’s also more convenient, easy to use and widely available at most major retailers around the country. You may use imitation crab in a variety of ways -- from sushi to salads to casseroles. Take advantage of the nutrients in imitation crab by including it in a tossed green salad or by stirring chunks into a seafood stew or pot of vegetable soup. However, imitation crab does have nutritional drawbacks that decrease its overall nutritional value. This healthy food contains a range of vitamins and minerals. One serving of imitation crab contains 1.1 grams of fat, or 12 percent of the total calories. The recommended upper limit for sodium intake is between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams each day, though many people get far more than this, MayoClinic.com reports. Nutrition Facts on a Ham Sandwich With Lettuce & Whole Wheat Bread, USDA National Nutrient Database: Crustaceans, Crab, Alaska King, Imitation, Made From Surimi, Harvard School of Public Health: Fats and Cholesterol: Out with the Bad, In with the Good, MayoClinic.com: Sodium: How to Tame Your Salt Habit Now. Average sodium limits range from 1,500 milligrams to 2,300 milligrams, although you likely consume sodium far above this level; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most Americans eat over 3,500 milligrams per day. If you seek an alternative to canned crab meat -- and you don't want to spend hours prying the meat from crab shells -- you might be tempted to turn to imitation crab meat for your recipes. 1 year ago. One percent of your body weight is made up of phosphorus, which is found in every part of your body -- most of it in your teeth and bones. It is predominantly made using Alaskan pollock, a white fish, but other types of fish including mackerel, barracuda, blue whiting and cod, find use in the production of imitation crab. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Temple University. Crab is an impressive source of vitamin B12, of which you need 2.4 micrograms each day. When including imitation crab in your diet, monitor your meal plan to ensure you do not consume sodium at these dangerous levels. The meat can be used in many dishes and contains certain nutrients that are essential in a healthy diet. You will need more than one serving of imitation crab to meet your daily protein needs, which is 46 grams per day, but may vary according to your lifestyle and nutritional goals. The primary nutritional drawback to imitation crab meat is the amount of salt it contains. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Pollock fish, hearts of palm, jackfruit, Imitation crab meat contains a healthy dose of phosphorus. Below, we take a closer look at the ingredients used to make surimi and why you should stop eating them. The outer part of each stick is orange-colored, while the inner part is white and fleshy, just like real crab meat. Compared to regular crab, the imitation crab meat nutrition profile also lacks many of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh crab. Watch your portion size to keep your sodium intake low. A 3-ounce serving of imitation crab meat contains 715 milligrams of sodium.

How bad is imitation crab meat for you? If you follow a 2,000 calories meal plan, the calories in a serving of this seafood accounts for 4.3 percent of the amount you should consume every day. Vitamin B12 enables your body to produce healthy red blood cells. Monterey Bay Aquarium: Imitation Crab (Alaskan Pollock), Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes, Australian Department of Health and Aging: Vitamins and Minerals, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Americans Consume Too Much Sodium. Imitation Crab Meat – Avoid Most Brands (but I found one that is good!) Signs of spoiled imitation crab are similar to those of fish, Kishimoto said--foul fishy smell, slimy surface and sour taste. The same serving of imitation crab provides 17 milligrams of cholesterol, making it a useful option if you are on a low-cholesterol diet. Imitation crab is made with a type of fish called surimi. One serving of imitation crab contains 1.1 grams of fat, or 12 percent of the total calories. Imitation crab is low in calories and fat, which makes it an appropriate addition to your diet if you are watching your weight or trying to shed excess pounds. Below, we take a closer look at the ingredients used to make surimi and why you should stop eating them. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Choosing low-calorie and low-fat foods is also a healthy way to protect yourself from chronic illnesses such as heart disease. A 3-ounce serving of imitation crab has 86 calories. It's not the worst, but it's loaded with fillers, lots of sodium, and sugar. Her work has been published at various cooking and nutrition websites. Wolf has an extensive background in medical/nutrition writing and online content development in the nonprofit arena. If you read my recent newsletter, Beaver Nasty Bits, you may think that my goal is to gross you out. Stir diced imitation crab meat into a carton of low-fat sour cream, then sprinkle with pepper and fresh herbs to make a dip to accompany fresh vegetables or whole-wheat crackers. While a little bite of imitation crab probably won’t hurt your dog (aka there’s no reason to call poison control), the added sugar, sodium, other additives and binders may make a dog throw up or experience GI distress. One serving of imitation crab provides 8.7 grams of carbs. Purebred Pitbull Puppies For Sale Near Me Craigslist, If the crab smells fishy, like ammonia, or anything other than crab, don’t eat it. Eat a serving of imitation crab, and you take in 714.8 milligrams of sodium. Made from white fish, imitation crab meat goes through processing so that it approximates the taste of real crab. Imitation crab is made with a type of fish called surimi. Despite being fake crab, imitation crab meat comes from real fish, and this makes the protein it contains – 10.2 grams per serving – the type that provides all essential amino acids, referred to as complete, high quality protein. A serving of imitation crab also provides 24 percent of the daily value for phosphorus and 9 percent of the daily value for magnesium. Imitation crab meat is a versatile ingredient that costs far … Can I Eat Seaweed if I Have a Seafood Allergy? Imitation crab serves as an good source of vitamin B-12; one serving provides 23 percent of the daily value for this vitamin.

Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Imitation crab can be fried or steamed, or you may actually consume it without cooking due … The vitamin also supports normal brain function. Manufacturers add fillers, flavoring and color to surimi to mimic the taste, texture and color of real crab legs. Your risk of kidney disease, stroke and high blood pressure increases when you eat a high-salt diet. Purebred Pitbull Puppies For Sale Near Me Craigslist, If the crab smells fishy, like ammonia, or anything other than crab, don’t eat it.