Are Crab Cakes Bad For You?
Short answer
Crab cakes are quite bad for you, due to the high amounts of cholesterol and fat. It is important to note that crab cakes aren't just crab, yet a concoction of deep-fried ingredients that contain crab.
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Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
You might think that crab cakes would be good for you because they contain crab. While omega-3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids are important, the fact is that crab cakes do not offer the same benefits as eating a steamed crab. Crab cakes are a take on fishcakes and can be made in a variety of ways using any number of ingredients.
Particularly popular on the Atlantic coast, and specifically Maryland, there are two types of Maryland crab cakes - Boardwalk and Restaurant. Boardwalk crab cake is the less healthy of the two, being stuffed, breaded, and deep-fried. Restaurant crab cakes are prepared with no filler and served on a plate or atop an open-faced sandwich.
The amount of calories will depend on the size and ingredients, but a good ballpark estimate is around 100 to 160. Crab cakes are also quite high in cholesterol and fat - a large portion of the fat coming from mayonnaise - while only having low amounts of dietary fiber. There is a good amount of calcium that is to be had and while iron doesn't come in a great abundance, crab cakes do still supply an appreciable amount.
The thing to remember is that if you are eating crab cakes, you aren't eating crab. You are eating something that contains crab meat. Crab meat may be good for your health, but crab cakes are not.
Possible long-term side effects
- diabetes
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heart disease
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weight gain, obesity
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Handy Gluten Free Crab Cakes
- Gluten-free recipe
- Convenient size
- Ready-to-cook
- 24-count case
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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