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Canned food gets a bad rap, but is it really that unhealthy? We take a closer look at the pros and cons of canned food to see if it’s worth avoiding.
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The Pros of Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great way to get your fruits and vegetables without having to worry about them going bad. They are also very convenient and can be stored for long periods of time. Canned foods are also typically very affordable.
Convenience
Canned foods are a fantastic and convenient option for those who want to save time in the kitchen. Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, and even meat can be found at most grocery stores. These foods can be used in a variety of recipes or eaten on their own as a quick and easy snack.
Canned foods are also very shelf-stable, meaning they have a long shelf life and can be stored for extended periods of time without going bad. This is especially helpful for those who live in areas with power outages or other natural disasters that may make it difficult to access fresh food.
In addition to being convenient and shelf-stable, canned foods can also be very healthy. Many fruits and vegetables are canned within hours of being harvested, which means they retain more of their nutritional value than if they were allowed to sit for days or weeks before being eaten.
Long shelf life
One of the main advantages of canned foods is that they have a much longer shelf life than fresh foods. In fact, most canned foods can be stored for up to two years. This is because the canning process kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food to spoil. Canned foods are also convenient because they do not require refrigeration.
Another advantage of canned foods is that they are often cheaper than fresh or frozen foods. This is because canned foods are produced on a large scale and can be mass-produced cheaply. In addition, canned foods tend not to be as susceptible to damage as fresh or frozen foods, so they can often be found in better condition.
Nutritional value
Canned foods offer a convenient and affordable way to add fruits, vegetables, beans, and fish to your diet. While some worry that the canning process may reduce the nutritional value of foods, research shows that canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh or frozen foods.
Canned fruits and vegetables are often comparable to their fresh counterparts in terms of nutritional value. The canning process does not destroy vitamins and minerals, and in fact, can actually preserve them. For example, canned tomatoes contain more lycopene—an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease—than fresh tomatoes.
Canned fruits and vegetables are also a good source of fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps promote digestive health and may also reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The Cons of Canned Foods
Canned foods are a convenient and affordable option, but they may not be as healthy as you think. Canned foods are often high in sodium and other preservatives, which can be harmful to your health. In addition, canned foods may contain BPA, a chemical that has been linked to a number of health problems. Let’s take a closer look at the potential drawbacks of eating canned foods.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Some canned foods contain BPA, a chemical that can leach into food. BPA is linked to several health problems, including cancer.
The FDA has banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, but it’s still present in many other products, including canned food.
Canned food also often contains high levels of sodium and other preservatives. These ingredients can be hard on your kidneys and your heart.
Sodium
Many canned foods are high in sodium, which can be a problem for people with high blood pressure or heart problems. Too much sodium can also lead to kidney disease and other health problems. If you are on a low-sodium diet, or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, it is important to limit the amount of canned food you eat.
To limit the amount of sodium in your diet:
-Choose canned foods that are labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added.”
-Rinse canned vegetables before eating them to remove some of the salt.
-Limit your intake of processed meats, such as ham, bacon, and sausage.
-Avoid canned soups and frozen dinners, which are often high in sodium.
-Read the nutrition facts label on food packages to find out how much sodium is in a serving.
Added sugars
Most canned foods contain added sugars, which can increase your daily sugar intake. While some sugar is naturally present in fruits and vegetables, the sugar in canned foods is added during the canning process.
Added sugars provide no essential nutrients and can have negative health effects when consumed in excess. Too much sugar can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
If you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned varieties. When choosing canned fruits, look for options that are packed in juice or water instead of syrup.
