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Health See other Health Articles Title: Imitation Crab Meat May Be Even Worse Than You Think Imitation Crab Meat May Be Even Worse Than You Think Dr. Josh Axe Have you ever eaten at a sushi restaurant or ordered Chinese takeout? If so, then there’s a pretty good chance you’ve tried imitation crab meat at one point or another, regardless of whether you knew it or not. Thanks to its versatility, ease of preparation and budget-friendly benefits, imitation crab has become a prominent ingredient featured in restaurants, grocery stores and home kitchens alike. But contrary to popular belief, imitation crab meat is not actually vegan — or even vegetarian. Even more surprising, it often doesn’t even contain any crab meat at all and actually contains more starch and carbohydrates than protein! So what is imitation crab, and should you reconsider this controversial ingredient? Let’s take a look at what’s really in your favorite sushi rolls and why you may want to think twice about your takeout order. What Is Imitation Crab Meat? Imitation crab meat, or kanikama, is a product typically found in popular foods like California rolls, crab rangoons and crab cakes. Its primary ingredient is a type of gel-like substance known as surimi, which is made by grinding different types of fish into a thick paste, then adding in starch, fillers, artificial flavoring and food coloring to mimic the taste, texture and appearance of real crab. Pollock is the most common fish used to produce imitation crab meat due to its lack of flavor, abundance and ready availability, but other types of fish like cod, mackerel and barracuda are sometimes used as well. Because of its sparse nutrient profile and long list of additives, many people consider it to be the seafood equivalent of the hot dog, made of fish parts and questionable ingredients that have been ground up into a cheap, highly processed convenience food. Still, it remains a common ingredient in many types of cuisine, favored for its versatility, low cost and ease of preparation. In fact, because it is significantly cheaper than regular crab meat, it has become a popular choice for everyone from food manufacturers to restaurants and consumers. Is Imitation Crab Meat Good for You? So is imitation crab healthy, or is it nothing more than a “fake food” with potentially dangerous side effects? Nutritionally speaking, imitation crab is slightly lower in calories and sodium than fresh crab. However, it’s also lower in plenty of beneficial nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12 and selenium. Real crab meat also contains a much more diverse nutrition profile and packs in a wider range of important vitamins and minerals in each serving. Imitation crab is also loaded with harmful food additives that can trigger conditions like leaky gut and inflammation. It can also be a hidden source of potential allergens like gluten. For those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, eating gluten can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and fatigue. Long-term, eating even small amounts of gluten can cause increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, in those who are sensitive. (1, 2) Manufacturers also throw in other not-so-great ingredients like sugar, starch and vegetable oils to help the final product hold its shape. Thanks to these extra ingredients, it’s much higher in carbohydrates than real crab meat, containing about the same amount of carbs as a slice of white bread in each serving. And because it lacks fiber to slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, eating too much can cause blood sugar to spike and then quickly crash. Some brands also add in monosodium glutamate (MSG) to amp up the flavor of imitation crab meat. MSG is a food additive that’s used to enhance the taste of savory dishes, and it is often found in Asian cuisines as well as many types of processed foods. However, many people are sensitive to MSG, reporting symptoms like headaches, muscle tightness, weakness and numbness/tingling after consumption. (3) That’s partly why it’s one of the worst ingredients around. If you can avoid it, cutting this highly processed ingredient from your diet along with all of the additives it contains can definitely be beneficial for your health. Instead, swap imitation crab for a healthy protein foods or one of the nutritious alternatives listed below to enjoy your favorite recipes without the fish paste and fillers. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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