Canned Food: Good Or Bad?

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Unsure of the benefits canned food bring to the table? Here is a rundown on the health benefits and nutritional aspects of canned food.

Canning is a technique that is obviously opted for to preserve the nutritional value of the product being canned and even bring the unseasonal fruits and vegetables and not only these, but beans, sardines, and many other such edible items at the disposal of the customers.

The process of canning can be dated back to the 19th century when the concept of convenience foods came into being and heat treatment was used to preserve the contents of the can.

The food to be preserved is not just canned directly using heat or pressure, but undergoes proper treatment. This includes preparing the food by slicing, chopping, peeling, pitting or slightly cooking up the food item if needed as uncooked food can lead to food poisoning.1

It is then properly sealed ensuring that it is properly and tightly done and then it undergoes heat treatment to eradicate any traces of harmful bacteria that can lead to food spoilage.

Light On The Pockets And A Longer Shelf Life

If you aim to include nutrient-dense foods to your diet, canned food is quite a viable option and can come in handy in times of emergency, food shortages or in case of a natural disaster.

These convenient foods are available throughout the year and can give you the flavors of your favorite food whenever you crave for it.

Previously the debate was only on canned fruits and vegetables that whether they were as fresh as freshly picked ones, but now as this industry has progressed by leaps and bounds, practically all sorts of food can be canned today.

Also, if you consider the time they take to be prepared they can be stored away for years making it super convenient. That is when compromising on the freshness a bit would not seem too much to give up.

Surprise! They Are Not As Harmful As You Think

In some cases canned food are quite beneficial, do you know when? Fresh tomatoes contain lycopene (an antioxidant found in tomatoes that helps fight cancer); canning tomatoes actually increases the concentration of this antioxidant and can be used effectively as a tomato paste.

However, be careful that you do not pick up canned food that is dipped in syrup as it contains too much sugar. And although they may be high in sodium content the perks of canned food is that you can even get it customized by opting for low-sodium or no salt options. You could even rinse and get rid of the high sodium content.

Canned fish is a powerful supplement that gives a lot of strength. Do not opt for tuna that is packed in oil, but instead prefer the one in water as it has a lower mercury content as well.

Does Canning Affect The Nutritional Value Of Food?

Contrary to the popular belief that when canned food undergoes heat treatment it also deprives it of nutritional content, but it has been found that carbs and proteins are left untouched in the process and Vitamins A, D, E, K, and vitamins which are fat-soluble are also retained.

However, there are chances that Vitamin B and C may be disrupted. A study comparing the nutritional value of canned and fresh peaches proves this.2

References   [ + ]

1.The Dangers Of Uncooked Food, Centra Care.
2.Durst, Robert W., and George W. Weaver. “Nutritional content of fresh and canned peaches.” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 93, no. 3 (2013): 593-603.
Zyana Morris