Who absolutely can not eat crab sticks
Who shouldn't eat crab sticks (Photo: Freepik)
Crab sticks become especially popular during the holiday season, so it's important to know who should definitely avoid eating them. This product has sparked many debates as it has certain effects on health.
Who should not eat them
Allergy sufferers
Due to the large amount of fish in the product, crab sticks should not be consumed by people who have a relevant allergy. Also, those who are sensitive to egg whites or soy should avoid them.
The symptoms of an allergy to crab sticks are similar to those of most food allergies: itching, tingling or swelling in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and, in some rare cases, anaphylactic shock.
Pregnant women
During pregnancy, a woman may spontaneously develop an allergic reaction to foods she previously tolerated well.
It is important to note that the product's impact on both the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus has not been studied. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women and those breastfeeding avoid consuming this product.
Children
Due to the presence of synthetic food additives and preservatives in crab sticks, this product cannot be considered healthy for children's nutrition.
For children, especially those under 3 years old, it is better to give boiled fish fillet. Children are prone to food allergies, so it's better not to take risks.
Diabetes
For people suffering from diabetes, crab sticks are not beneficial. The product contains starch and sugar, which are carbohydrates that can cause exacerbations in small amounts.
Real crab meat is a much better choice for people with diabetes, as crab imitation contains added carbohydrates, both starch and sugar.
How to choose crab sticks
Nutritionist Liudmyla Matishynets shared that it is important to ensure that the product contains at least 30-40% surimi. If the percentages are not indicated on the packaging, choose a product with surimi as the first ingredient on the list.
It's best to choose a product in vacuum packaging to avoid exposure to air. Sticks in other types of packaging may have a shortened shelf life due to moisture.
A high-quality crab stick should be pure white in color. Any gray or yellow spots indicate the possibility of low product quality.
When pressed, the crab stick should crack easily but not break completely. A lot of starch in the product may be a sign of low quality.
The expert added that if you use crab sticks at home, ensure they cut easily while remaining firm and intact. This indicates their quality.
Manufacturers also add other not-so-healthy ingredients, such as sugar, starch, and vegetable oils, to help the final product retain its shape.
Earlier, we reported on the best foods to boost concentration and mental performance.
Sources: Instagram page of nutritionist Liudmyla Matishynets, websites Lucyim pregnant and Food struct.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
