Is Canned Fruit Healthy?

Canned fruits used to be mushy and tasteless. Improvements in canning technology and advances in agriculture have lead to canned fruits that taste good and retain their texture. Canned goods provide a cost-effective way for people to enjoy fruits that aren't in season or aren't regionally grown. They also keep longer than fresh fruits, making them ideal for people who can't shop regularly or who don't have access to produce. Choosing canned goods does not adversely affect the amount of nutrition you get from fruit.

Canned vs. Fresh

Fresh fruit contains high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and photochemical. It's also a high-fiber, low-calorie food. When manufacturers can fruits immediately after picking them, they retain most of their nutritional value. In fact, the canning process makes it easier for your body to absorb certain nutrients making canned fruit healthier than fresh fruit is some respects.

Canning Liquid Matters

Fruits come packed in liquid to help preserve freshness and enhance flavor. The liquid you choose can mean the difference between a healthy snack and a sugar-laden one. Avoid fruits that have been canned in heavy syrup because they have high amounts of added sugar and extra calories. Healthier choices include fruit canned in its own juices, in fruit juice or in sugar-free syrup.

Concerns About Canned Foods

Canned foods contain bisphenol A or BPA. BPA is linked with cell changes, hormonal disorders and certain cancers, according to a report in the May19, 2010, edition of "USA Today." Some canned foods contain more BPA than others and because of the link with disease, some states ban its use in children's products. Manufacturers have begun making canned fruits in BPA-free cans. Look for BPA-free on the label if you're concerned about exposure to this chemical.

Recommended Servings

Consuming at least 2.5 cups fruits and vegetables per day significantly reduces your risk of obesity and chronic disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Because fruits contain so few calories, so many nutrients and so much fiber, the USDA recommends 2 cups fruit per day, or four to five servings in a 2,000-calorie diet, in addition to 2.5 cups vegetables. Canned fruit and the fruit juice it comes packed in both contribute toward that total.