There are over 4,000 varieties of crab, but if there’s anything that the edible ones have in common, they can be very good for your health. You can buy them live, which means you will have to prepare them on your own. Or, to spare you the hassle, you can buy it dressed. You can buy packed white crabmeat and brown crabmeat. White crabmeat comes from the crab’s claws and legs, and you can use it to make a juicy crabmeat sandwich or a salad. Brown crabmeat, on the other hand, comes from the crab’s body; loaded with flavour, it can be used for making crab cakes and sauces.

The nutrients that crabmeat provides cannot be overstated. For one, it has lots of selenium -- 12 times the amount than that of beef. It is worth mentioning because selenium has antioxidant properties, meaning it boosts the immune system and prevents cell damage. Another mineral of which it contains high amounts is copper -- approximately 56 times of the amount of that found in chicken and beef. Copper boosts iron absorption and is essential for energy production. And, there is phosphorous, which is needed for various processes in the body, such as maintenance of the bones and teeth, metabolism, and maintenance of cognitive function. The amount of the mineral that crabmeat contains is 41 percent more than beef does.

Other ways that crabmeat can improve your health include:

Source of high quality protein: Protein is essential for making enzymes and hormones as well as for building and repairing tissues. The good thing about crabmeat is that you get as much protein from it as the other kinds meat without the relatively high levels of saturated fat, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Provides long-chain omega-3 fatty acids: Among the good things that omega-3 fatty acids can do for you is it helps maintain your heart health and your cognitive function. It has also been found to help prevent depression. And, the omega-3 fatty acids you get from crabmeat are long-chain, which means that the can body use them immediately.

Contains vitamin B2 (riboflavin): As with other B complex vitamins, vitamin B2 is needed for energy production. It also helps with the absorption of iron in the digestive tract and acts as an antioxidant, helping get rid of toxins and boosting our immune system.

Contains chromium: That crabmeat contains chromium means that it is particularly beneficial for you if you are diabetic. This is because chromium promotes sugar metabolism, lowering your blood glucose.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself some crabmeat, and enjoy its deliciousness and health benefits.