Description and habitat
Crayfish live in clean running water - rivers, lakes, streams with a small current. Often during the daytime they hide under stones, tree roots or in small burrows at the bottom of reservoirs. At night they crawl out to hunt. Crayfish are omnivores. They can eat both plants and representatives of the animal world. They eat both living and dead prey. Crayfish, unlike other representatives of predatory animals, do not kill their prey, but, holding it tightly with their claws, bite off small pieces of it.
Crustacean representatives of the fauna live in reservoirs with a hard muddy bottom at a depth of up to 3 meters.
Content:
- Description and habitat
- Composition and nutritional value
- Beneficial features
- Hazardous properties
- Use of cancer in medicine
- Use in cosmetology
- Cancers for weight loss
- conclusions
The crayfish is dressed in a hard chitinous shell that covers its soft parts of the body. It has a greenish-brown color, which protects it well from dangers at the bottom of the reservoir, making it invisible. The body of the crayfish consists of two parts: the cephalothorax and abdomen. The arthropod abdomen consists of 5 pairs of limbs that allow the crayfish to swim, and the sixth and seventh pairs form the caudal fin. The organs of touch and smell in crayfish are movable antennae located in the head section. Several pairs of limbs extend from the chest: the first three pairs are used for grasping food, then the claws follow, and another 4 pairs are used for movement. The gills of crayfish are located in gill chambers, covered from the internal organs by body integument, and from the environment by a durable chitinous shield [4].
Food and accommodation features
The diet and living habits of crayfish distinguish them from other crustaceans. These inhabitants of reservoirs, which, by the way, live in any fresh, clean reservoirs where the water warms up to 22 degrees in the summer, are considered omnivores. They are even capable of devouring their own kind (especially defenseless ones and after molting).
In the first years of life, crayfish feeds mainly on plant foods, but feasts on insect larvae and snails. At one year of age, crustaceans begin to eat plankton and water fleas. Crayfish also feed on carrion, tadpoles, and worms, which fishermen use to catch these animals. Interestingly, females eat much less frequently, but eat larger amounts of food at one time.
The lifespan of crayfish has not yet been fully studied. But long-term studies have made it possible to determine an approximate figure - about 8-10 years. It is also known that cancer is a heterosexual creature. Sexual maturity occurs at 3 years in males and 4 years in females. The latter are capable of laying up to eight hundred eggs at a time.
Composition and nutritional value
Crayfish meat is a very healthy and nutritious product. It contains a large amount of protein (about 16 g), and at the same time has an absolutely small amount of fat (only 0.95 g). This product is easily absorbed by the body and has a fairly low calorie content (only 76 kcal) [5]. Thanks to this, crayfish are a fairly popular dietary food. Crustaceans also contain quite a lot of water (82.24 g), a little more than 1% carbohydrates, a considerable amount of organic acids and various minerals. Crayfish meat is enriched with calcium, magnesium, chromium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, cobalt and fluorine [6][7]. It is dominated by B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and E, due to which it has antioxidant and restorative properties and strengthens the body after illness. Meat contains a large dose of iodine, so it is recommended to take it to prevent thyroid diseases. But there is no “bad” cholesterol in crustacean meat [8].
Crayfish dishes: recipes
Crayfish in beer
Ingredients:
- Crayfish – 12 pcs;
- Salt – ½ tbsp. l.;
- Beer – 2 l;
- Black peppercorns – 6 pcs;
- Bay leaf – 1 pc.
Boil water, add pepper and bay leaf, pour in beer. Place the crayfish in the pan and cook for 7-10 minutes. Before serving, place the crayfish in a tureen and pour in the broth in which they were cooked.
Creamy crayfish soup
Ingredients:
- Crayfish – 2 kg;
- Chicken broth – 2 l;
- Carrots – 200 g;
- Onions – 2 pcs;
- Vegetable oil – 50 ml;
- Anise vodka – 50 ml;
- Celery – 2 stalks;
- Dill – 30 g;
- Bay leaf – 2 pcs;
- Cream – 200 ml;
- Tomato paste;
- Lemon – 1 piece;
- Ground allspice – 6 pcs.
Pour dill leaves with water (3 liters), bring to a boil, place in crayfish broth, cook for 7 minutes. Remove the crayfish, remove the meat from them, and put them in the refrigerator. Cut the onion, carrots and celery into cubes, fry, add crayfish meat to the vegetables, add a little tomato paste. Simmer, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes. Pour in vodka, cook for another 3 minutes. Pour broth over ingredients, add bay leaf, cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Blend the ingredients in a blender until mushy and strain through a fine sieve. Add cream to the soup and cook for 10 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with herbs.
Breaded crayfish
Ingredients:
- Crayfish – 25 pcs;
- Water – ½ cup;
- Wheat flour – 3 tbsp. l.;
- Eggs – 1 piece;
- Bacon – 25 pcs;
- Soda – ½ tsp;
- Butter – 4 tbsp. l.;
- Almonds – 2 tbsp. l.;
- Salt - to taste.
Beat the egg, add it to the sifted flour with soda, add salt. Boil the crayfish in salted water, peel and remove the meat. Wrap each neck in bacon, place on a skewer, and dip in breading. Fry in hot oil. Roll the finished hot meat in ground almonds.
Beneficial features
Crayfish meat has been eaten for a long time. Most of it is contained in the abdomen of the crayfish and very little in the tentacles [9]. The crayfish are boiled, salted, garnished with parsley or dill and served. During heat treatment, crayfish acquire a rich red color due to the numerous carotenoids they contain. This is where the phraseological phrase “red as a lobster” came from. After all, live crayfish have a completely different color (from greenish-brown to bluish-brown), and when cooked they turn red.
Crayfish are famous for their taste. Their meat is very nutritious due to the fact that it contains a large amount of protein. It is rich in calcium, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of human skin, hair and nails, and iodine, which is necessary for the prevention of thyroid diseases. It is recommended to use them for those who have problems with the cardiovascular system and liver. This product contains a very small amount of fat, while having low calorie content. This is just a godsend for those who want to lose weight. Crayfish meat speeds up metabolism and fills the body with vigor and energy. And chitinous shell is widely used in folk medicine due to its antiseptic properties. It has also been proven to have the ability to heal wounds.
Fishing tips
Fishing tips will help you catch crayfish in their natural habitat. This procedure is simple, and anyone can easily handle it. There are many ways to catch crayfish, but the most common are:
- manually (not the most “pleasant” method);
- a special crayfish catcher (homemade or purchased);
- shoe (folk device);
- with a fishing rod (the longest way).
Catching with your hands is extremely simple. We need to find crayfish holes and get their inhabitants out of the shelter. Of course, the animal will defend itself, so it can be unpleasant. Finding holes is not difficult, just move slowly along the coast of the reservoir (mainly where reeds grow), carefully feeling the bottom.
The clamshell is a great alternative. You need a net and rope, with which you can easily make homemade tackle. You should lay out the net at the bottom of the reservoir, first tie a rope to it, put the bait in the center and wait. Every 20-30 minutes you need to check: perhaps the crayfish have already crawled in search of prey. When using a purchased analogue, the algorithm of actions is similar: the product with bait must be immersed in water and wait until the crayfish crawl inside.
The shoe method is practically no different from the crayfish trap, but it is somewhat inferior in efficiency. You need to put the bait inside the shoe, tie a rope to the edge of the back and lower it to the bottom. It will take a little longer to catch, but there is still a chance to catch the crayfish.
Catching crayfish with a fishing rod is a difficult task. But you can try. You need to fix the bait on the hook, cover it with nylon and lower it into the water. Please note that the fishing line must be thick, otherwise the crayfish will simply bite it with its claw and run away.
In addition, it is important to know where the best places to catch crayfish are. The following areas are ideal:
- Coast with cliffs. Crayfish settle here if there is a drop in the river below the coastline. A prerequisite is the presence of peat or silt at the bottom of the reservoir.
- Coastline with stones. This is one of the most attractive areas for crayfish. They will settle under cobblestones, constructing burrows.
- Sandy bottom. The main advantage is simple crayfish hunting. Algae in such reservoirs is usually quite small, the bottom is clearly visible, so hunting for crustaceans will definitely be successful.
- Backwaters with snags. Crayfish live here in huge numbers. It is in such places that large specimens can be found.
- Burrows and holes in the ground. They can be seen in places where the banks have cliffs. Typically, crayfish create burrows with a diameter of about five centimeters, which are very easy to detect with the naked eye.
- Shell rock. If the bottom is strewn with this material and there are reeds nearby, crayfish are probably also living here.
- Banks in water. If you notice similar “decor” on a pond, there is a high probability that crayfish live in it (provided that the reservoir itself is clean enough).
Hazardous properties
Crayfish meat is a fairly allergenic product, and therefore it is recommended to use it with great caution, especially for people prone to allergies [10]. Also, people who have problems with the thyroid gland should not abuse crustaceans. Although, it would seem, crayfish meat is so rich in iodine that this should, on the contrary, have a positive effect on the course of the disease. But doctors especially emphasize the fact that crayfish meat rich in iodine can only be used for disease prevention [11]. It is not used to treat the disease.
Improperly prepared crayfish can become a source of gastrointestinal problems and dangerous poisoning for humans [12]. It must be remembered that only fresh product is suitable for cooking in order to avoid undesirable consequences. It is necessary to observe not only the correct cooking process, but also the storage of crayfish meat. It is better to store the product in glass containers, since the sulfur in its composition does not allow the use of metal products for this. Upon contact with it, the meat of crustaceans turns black and quickly deteriorates.
What are the benefits of crayfish?
- Choline
is part of lecithin, plays a role in the synthesis and metabolism of phospholipids in the liver, is a source of free methyl groups, and acts as a lipotropic factor. - Vitamin B12
plays an important role in the metabolism and transformation of amino acids. Folate and vitamin B12 are interconnected vitamins that are involved in hematopoiesis. A lack of vitamin B12 leads to the development of partial or secondary folate deficiency, as well as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. - Vitamin PP
is involved in redox reactions of energy metabolism. Insufficient vitamin intake is accompanied by disruption of the normal condition of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. - Phosphorus
takes part in many physiological processes, including energy metabolism, regulates acid-base balance, is part of phospholipids, nucleotides and nucleic acids, and is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth. Deficiency leads to anorexia, anemia, and rickets. - Manganese
is involved in the formation of bone and connective tissue, and is part of enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and catecholamines; necessary for the synthesis of cholesterol and nucleotides. Insufficient consumption is accompanied by slower growth, disturbances in the reproductive system, increased fragility of bone tissue, and disturbances in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. - Copper
is part of enzymes that have redox activity and are involved in the metabolism of iron, stimulates the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. Participates in the processes of providing oxygen to the tissues of the human body. Deficiency is manifested by disturbances in the formation of the cardiovascular system and skeleton, and the development of connective tissue dysplasia. - Selenium
is an essential element of the antioxidant defense system of the human body, has an immunomodulatory effect, and is involved in the regulation of the action of thyroid hormones. Deficiency leads to Kashin-Beck disease (osteoarthritis with multiple deformities of the joints, spine and limbs), Keshan disease (endemic myocardiopathy), and hereditary thrombasthenia.
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Crayfish calorie content 76 kcal, chemical composition, nutritional value, vitamins, minerals, benefits of Crayfish, calories, nutrients, beneficial properties Crayfish
Energy value, or calorie content
- this is the amount of energy released in the human body from food during the digestion process. The energy value of the product is measured in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ) per 100 grams. product. The kilocalorie used to measure the energy value of food is also called a food calorie, so when caloric content is reported in (kilo)calories, the prefix kilo is often omitted. You can see detailed energy value tables for Russian products here.
The nutritional value
— content of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the product.
Nutritional value of food product
- a set of properties of a food product, in the presence of which the physiological needs of a person for the necessary substances and energy are satisfied.
Vitamins
, organic substances required in small quantities in the diet of both humans and most vertebrates. Vitamin synthesis is usually carried out by plants, not animals. A person's daily requirement for vitamins is only a few milligrams or micrograms. Unlike inorganic substances, vitamins are destroyed by strong heat. Many vitamins are unstable and are “lost” during cooking or food processing.
Use of cancer in medicine
River crayfish is widely used as a restorative and rehabilitative agent in modern and folk medicine. Due to the fact that its shell consists of chitin, a rich source of chitosan, it has the ability to remove radionuclides and heavy metals from the human body [13]. Medicines made from the chitinous plates of crustaceans are successfully taken by people exposed to radiation or working in places where radiation levels exceed the required standards.
Also, crustacean shells are often used for medical purposes for the manufacture of artificial skin, for the production of drugs that promote wound healing and high-quality treatment of scars, and also as suture material [14]. Treatment with medications containing chitinous plates of crustacean shells is recommended for those who have undergone cancer surgery or undergone chemotherapy. The thing is that they contain precious calcium, which accelerates the regeneration processes of affected organs and tissues and contributes to the successful rehabilitation of patients. In addition, chitosan helps strengthen joints and is used to prevent arthritis and arthrosis.
As mentioned above, crustacean meat contains a large amount of iodine. In addition to the fact that eating crayfish will relieve problems with the thyroid gland, it will also have a positive effect on the growing body. After all, iodine is very important for children and adults, and it is also necessary for pregnant women.
Crayfish should be consumed with caution during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in children's diets, as there is a risk of developing allergies.
It is also recommended to consume crayfish meat if:
- cardiovascular failure;
- kidney problems;
- diseases of the pancreas;
- diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
- digestive problems.
For men
Observations by scientists have shown that regular consumption of boiled crayfish meat almost halves the likelihood of bladder cancer and prostate cancer in men. This is why it is recommended that the stronger sex use this product to prevent these unpleasant diseases. During pregnancy Many people ask the question: is it possible to eat crayfish during pregnancy? Yes, if there is no allergy to seafood, there is no individual intolerance to crayfish. In addition, boiled crayfish are even recommended for consumption by pregnant women due to their high content of vitamins, minerals and lack of cholesterol. This product will promote good fetal development and keep the mother's body in an energetic and active state. Thanks to its balanced nutrient content, crayfish meat will improve metabolism and strengthen the immune system, which is so important during pregnancy. Despite the amazing taste of this product, you should still use it in moderation. When breastfeeding Doctors do not recommend that women eat seafood, including crayfish, when they are breastfeeding. After all, they contain a large number of toxins that can harm the child in the first months of life. 7-8 months after the birth of a child, you should carefully select foods for his diet, since the body is just beginning to adapt to life. An incorrect diet of the mother can cause a number of diseases such as severe colic, intoxication, food allergies and stomach upset in the child.
Use in cosmetology
In the field of cosmetology, crayfish are popular precisely because of the substance contained in the chitinous plates of their shell - chitosan. Preparations based on it have a beneficial effect on the skin, protecting against ultraviolet radiation and negative environmental influences. The fact is that chitosan, when applied, forms a thin, imperceptible protective film on the surface of the skin, which significantly reduces the process of evaporation of liquid from the skin. The skin remains moisturized for a long time and is less susceptible to free radicals.
Cosmetics with elements of the chitinous cover of crustaceans are very valuable, as they consist of natural, environmentally friendly ingredients. Chitosan is easily absorbed by body cells and has absolutely no adverse effect even on sensitive skin. Since this component also has regenerating properties, it is very often used in the production of anti-aging cosmetics aimed at rejuvenating and restoring the structure of the skin. Preparations with chitosan are used in the production of masks, cosmetic peelings, lotions, creams and other products.
Difference between crab and crayfish
The body structure of crayfish and crabs is very similar: four pairs of legs, strong claws, a flat stomach and a chitinous shell.
The main difference is that the body shape of the crayfish is more elongated, while the crab is round, triangular or square. By the way, it is the shape of the body that allows the crab to move much faster than the crayfish. There are also differences in habitat. While crayfish are very careful in choosing a home, preferring fresh water sources with crystal clear water, crabs are less picky about where they live. They can be found in almost every reservoir, be it the sea, lake, pond, river or bay. Crabs feel comfortable both on the shore and at a depth of 4 km.
Cancers for weight loss
Crayfish are a dietary product due to three factors:
- low calorie content of meat;
- no fat;
- high protein content.
The developers of many diets (especially protein diets) strongly recommend using crustacean meat in their menu. Not only is it a natural source of protein, but it also has low energy value. And the same notorious chitosan, which also helps break down fats and remove them from the body, is very widespread as a component of weight loss medications.
What are the benefits of boiled crayfish for humans?
The benefits of crayfish for humans have been known since ancient times. Arthropod meat has been eaten since Neolithic times. Several centuries ago, only members of the aristocratic circle could afford to enjoy the delicacy. The popularity of the product for many years is due to its beneficial properties.
Chemical composition of boiled crayfish
The crustacean species belongs to the infraorder Astacidea. The crayfish body includes:
- cephalothorax;
- flat, segmented abdomen.
The cephalothorax is represented by anterior and posterior fused parts. A sharp spike is located in the front of the head. On the side of the spines, bulging eyes can be found in the recesses. Two pairs of antennae (short and long) also extend from the front.
It is known that cancer uses its claws for the purpose of defense or attack. The abdomen is formed:
- 7 segments;
- 5 pairs of limbs (two-branched) for swimming.
The caudal fin is formed by the seventh segment and the sixth pair of ventral legs. It is noteworthy that male crayfish are larger in appearance than females. Color varies depending on habitat and water properties. It usually includes shades of green, brown and brown.
Crayfish are common throughout Europe. It lives in fresh water bodies:
- lakes;
- rivers;
- ponds;
- flowing streams.
Crayfish hunt at night and hide in various shelters during the day. The burrows it digs reach 35 cm deep. In summer, crayfish lives mainly in shallow water, and in winter it prefers strong soil at depth.
People have been eating crayfish since ancient times. They are processed by boiling in lightly salted water. During the cooking process, crayfish acquire a red color, which is due to the content of a significant amount of carotenoids. When heated, there is a breakdown of compounds and proteins, which leads to the release of astaxanthin. It is this substance that gives the cancer’s body its red color.
Astakus meat is a good source of easily digestible protein. There are practically no fats in the composition. According to research, 100 g of product includes:
- protein (16 g);
- carbohydrates (1 g);
- water (82 g).
Among the beneficial substances contained in crayfish meat are:
- ascorbic acid;
- tocopherol;
- cholecalciferol;
- vitamins PP, K and group B;
- potassium;
- iron;
- fluorine;
- phosphorus;
- chromium;
- magnesium;
- selenium;
- cobalt;
- calcium;
- sulfur
The chitin shell is distinguished by the presence of biologically active substances. These components have unique properties.
The energy value of crayfish meat per 100 g is 76 kcal, which is due to its low fat content. However, caloric content also depends on the cooking method.
What are the benefits of boiled crayfish?
Meat is recommended for consumption for diseases of the nervous system. The product has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and heart. Its inclusion in the diet allows you to compensate for iodine deficiency. The removal of toxins and waste is essential.
Boiled crayfish meat helps activate metabolism. It is recommended to use it for the purpose of losing weight.
The benefits of crayfish for humans are manifested in the following properties:
- prevention of malignant tumors;
- acceleration of tissue regeneration processes;
- removal of heavy metals and radionuclides.
Chitin, contained in the shell of crayfish, is used in the manufacture of suture material. The substance has antibacterial properties and is included in cosmetics and medications. Chitin is used to form capsules in the pharmaceutical industry.
What are the benefits of crayfish for men?
The product contains protein, which is a building material for muscles. It is recommended to include crayfish in the diet in the following cases:
- vascular weakness;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas;
- heart failure.
The unique composition of dietary meat has a beneficial effect on male reproductive function.
What are the benefits of crayfish for women?
Eating arthropods is a prevention of malignant tumors of the mammary glands. The restorative effects of the components that make up meat on the body have been proven.
The shell of crayfish is used to make a tincture for breast cancer. According to folk medicine, chitin helps restore damaged tissues.
Harm of boiled crayfish
Expert opinions about the benefits of astacus vary. This is due to its characteristics of life.
The product can cause unpleasant consequences if contraindications to its use are ignored. There are usually no dangerous elements in the composition, since crayfish cannot be in dirty water.
Dietary meat has anti-cancer properties. There are no carcinogens in the product. However, when including it in the diet, you need to remember the possibility of allergic reactions.
Contraindications for cancer
Please note that the product contains carbohydrates and fats. If there are appropriate restrictions, it is advisable to eat exclusively necks.
Rules for eating crayfish
Crayfish claws and necks are an indispensable snack for beer. Salads and soups are prepared from meat. It is not advisable to consume the product with alcoholic beverages, so as not to provoke a gain of extra pounds. Crayfish are not cooked in aluminum dishes to preserve all the beneficial substances. Only living individuals should be processed.
Can pregnant women eat boiled crayfish?
The physiological condition is accompanied by a natural decrease in immunity due to hormonal changes. The product often provokes allergic reactions. The risk of unwanted effects increases in pregnant women. Eating crayfish meat can cause hives and more severe complications.
Is it possible for a nursing mother to have crayfish?
It is known that the components contained in breast milk enter the child’s body. Since boiled crayfish meat is an allergenic product, its inclusion in the diet during lactation is prohibited. Otherwise, severe adverse reactions may occur in the infant.
Conclusion
The benefits of crayfish for humans have been proven by numerous studies. Dietary foods include all the necessary vitamins and minerals that help maintain health and well-being. Eating meat has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system and the thyroid gland. The product removes harmful substances from the body and prevents the development of malignant tumors.