Hairy Crab Tips!

Hairy crabs are rich in nutrients. The edible portion of a six-ounce hairy crab has the protein content of about 3 eggs, the calcium of about half a cup of milk, 2.9 mg of iron, and 3.7 mg of zinc. The above nutrients help maintain bone health and maintain immunity. However, it should be noted that hairy crabs contain higher cholesterol than other crabs.

Although the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have excluded the recommendation of “no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day”, the guidelines still cite the Institutes of Medicine’s recommendation that people should eat as little dietary cholesterol as possible. Therefore, it is recommended to eat no more than 2 hairy crabs (4-6 taels) at a time, especially people with heart disease and high blood cholesterol may eat only 1 hairy crab at a time.

Other than the portion size of the hairy crab, proper selection and handling of hairy crabs are also very important!

The Centre for Food Safety recommends that when purchasing hairy crabs, never buy dead hairy crabs, choose friskily live carbs with intact, shiny shells and no stink.

Also, make sure the cars for sale are properly stored in a fridge to prevent the growth of bacteria. In addition, as hairy crabs may contain parasites and other pathogenic bacteria, cook hairy crabs thoroughly and remove the internal organs completely before consumption

Safe and healthy consumption of hairy crabs:

• Eat only 1-2 hairy crabs each time.

• Hairy crabs are rich in protein and can be used as a source of protein in a meal. It is recommended to combine with vegetables and whole grains to form a nutritionally balanced meal.

• Soluble fibre helps hinder the absorption of cholesterol – when eating hairy crabs, eat more foods rich in soluble fibre such as mushrooms, fungus, kelp, vegetables, fruits, etc.

• Avoid buying dead crabs when shopping.

• Cook thoroughly before eating.