The imitation crab is a very delicious treat. It is usually used as a very good substitute for a crab meal, seeing as these creatures are not so easy to find.
However, if you really want to eat this while pregnant, it is very important to know the effects, benefits, and disadvantages of taking this imitation crab while pregnant.
The value of this crab’s nutritional content is usually the factor that affects it, making it have various advantages and disadvantages.
It is very high in phosphorus, and this helps in keeping the heart healthy, but consuming it in large quantities, can also cause stroke, because of excess sodium presence. So you should always know the right amount to take in.
In this write-up, we will be learning about imitation crab, its pros and cons, and some things you should consider while taking in this recipe while carrying a child.
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Contents
- 1 What Is Imitation Crab?
- 2 What is the nutritional value of imitation crabs?
- 3 Can I Eat Imitation Crab While Pregnant?
- 4 Advantages Of Eating Imitation Crab During Pregnancy
- 5 Why Is It Unsafe To Eat Imitation Crab During Pregnancy
- 6 Is imitation crab sushi safe during pregnancy?
- 7 Why is imitation crab meat so high in carbs?
- 8 Why does imitation crab have gluten?
- 9 Is imitation crab high in sodium?
- 10 Is there soy in imitation crab?
What Is Imitation Crab?
The imitation crab is a Japanese-made treat made of a white fish blend. The fish is called an Alaskan Pollock and together with various ingredients, flavors and colorants, it is produced.
Making the imitation crab involves mixing and cooking this bunch till it becomes an odorless paste known as surimi.
The paste is then cut down into smaller strips resembling the leg meat of a real crab. Imitation crab is a treat that gives the delicious taste of eating real crab meat, and it is also less expensive than actual crab meat.
What is the nutritional value of imitation crabs?
The imitation crab is very nutritional and it is a very good treat. Because of its ingredients, it usually has many quality nutrients to give out. Below is a rundown of its nutritional benefits.
- Calories 85
- Sodium 715mg
- Total fat 1g
- Potassium 76mg
- Saturated 0g
- Total carbs 13g
- Polyunsaturated 0g
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Monounsaturated 0g
- Sugars 6g
- Trans 0g
- Protein 7g
- Cholesterol 17mg
- Vitamin A 0%
- Calcium 1%
- Vitamin C 0%
- Iron 1%
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Can I Eat Imitation Crab While Pregnant?
The imitation crab has its advantages and disadvantages. The safety of imitation crab has usually depended on the actual fish type used in making this treat.
There are many advantages and disadvantages of taking this treatment, and we will be talking about some of them below
Advantages Of Eating Imitation Crab During Pregnancy
1. It is low in saturated fat and calories
The imitation crab is very low in calories and fat. It is usually a good option if you are on a cholesterol watch.
It usually contains 1 gram of fat, 81 calories, and 17 mg of cholesterol. This meal I very low in fat, so it can be eaten while carrying a child.
2. It has low mercury levels
Mercury is a contaminant usually found in various seafood. It is usually found in many fishes, and it is a reason why many pregnant people are told to avoid eating seafood.
An accumulation of this mercury poisoning can negatively affect you and your baby. The imitation crab, however, has low mercury levels, especially if it is made of surimi.
3. It contains a high level of phosphorus
The imitation crab has a very good phosphorus content. Phosphorus is an element usually found in several places in our body system.
Places like our teeth, bones, etc, contain phosphorus for constant development. Phosphorus also helps in aiding proper muscular functioning.
Phosphorus is something that you can get while consuming imitation crab. But understand that over-accumulation of this phosphorus can cause several complications.
Why Is It Unsafe To Eat Imitation Crab During Pregnancy
Presence of Sodium
One of the main drawbacks of eating imitation crab is because of its excess salt content. An ounce serving will contain up to 300mg of salt. And you are expected not to take more than 2300mg of sodium a day.
If you take in lots of Sodium, it could cause several complications. Things like high blood pressure and swelling might occur, and this is bad for you and your baby.
Sugar content
Imitation crabs also contain carbohydrates. This sugar can get excess if constantly consumed. This is because the crab is made and processed artificially and made with sweeteners. Taking too much sugar is actually very bad for you and your child.
Various added preservatives
The imitation crab usually contains preservatives. Preservatives like MSG are examples of things that are not safe for your unborn child’s health.
Checking the Safety Profile
You should always ensure that you read the label list to ensure that you are well versed on the type of fish used in making the imitation crab brand.
Fishes like mackerel, swordfish, Marlin, and sharks should be avoided. Other ones like shrimps, crabs, and lobsters can be eaten, but they should be regulated.
The one made from the Alaskan Pollock is the one you can eat without limits. Always ensure that you do not want your imitation crab uncooked or undercooked.
Although it is possible to do so, you might be exposing your womb to bacterial infections that could pose several threats to you and your child.
Always ensure that you cook the imitation crab for about 140°c. This will help in killing every bacterial microorganism therein. Do not eat an already-opened imitation crab also. It is not safe for you and your child.
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Is imitation crab sushi safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe. Both imitation crab sushi and real crab sushi are safe to consume if cooked properly. Traditional raw sushi is not safe to eat while pregnant because of the risk it poses. You can actually eat it if it is also pasteurized properly.
Why is imitation crab meat so high in carbs?
If you have a very high diabetes level, you should always understand that, unlike various other seafood, artificial or fake crab meat actually contains lots of sugar.
This is because of the various starch and sweeteners added to the treat. This can actually increase your blood sugar levels. You should ensure that you avoid eating imitation crab if you are diabetic. This is actually for your own good.
Why does imitation crab have gluten?
The imitation crab is not something you should consider taking if you want to have a gluten-free diet. It is made of fish paste and lots of wheat. This is then joined by the various preservatives and colorings which also contain gluten.
Is imitation crab high in sodium?
The imitation crab has a high sodium level, but the real crab meat has a higher level. If the imitation crab has 715mg per 3 ounce, the real crab meat contains up to 911mg of sodium.
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Is there soy in imitation crab?
No there isn’t soy in imitation crab. It is usually made up of groundfish paste. This is the surimi which is the Japanese translation for “groundfish”.
The imitation crab is a treat many people enjoy eating. Taking it while pregnant is not a bad idea, but you should be very careful not to overdo the eating.
If you notice any complications after taking the imitation crab, you should try to see your doctor, as this will help in damage control.
Always remember that you are catering to two humans as a pregnant mother, so ensuring that you play your role right, is a necessity.
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I am a proud mother of two, a lover and home builder. My love for children gave birth to the bestofmotherearth.com with the aim to cover topics from child health, pregnancy, parenting, family, relationship, struggles in families and also food.
