Canned foods can make preparing meals easy. They last a long time and are quick to cook. Canned foods also make it possible to eat certain fruits and vegetables when they are not available fresh. Canned foods can be a healthy alternative to fresh foods, but you should be aware of some safety concerns.
Nutrition
Canned foods are almost as healthy as fresh, according to a study conducted by the University of Illinois in 1997. Although some vitamin C is lost from food during canning, much of the lost vitamin C just moves to the canning liquid. Canned foods may be better sources of certain nutrients than fresh, according to the American Dietetic Association, as the canning process makes them easier for your body to absorb.
Safety
Canned foods may contain botulism-causing bacteria if the can has been damaged. Avoid cans that are leaking, bulging, cracked, dented, or that have a bad odor or discolored food, as this food may not be safe. Another concern with canned food is bisphenol A, or BPA. This chemical, used to line some cans, may increase your risk for cancer. Look for cans labeled "BPA free," avoid drinking canned soda and rinse canned foods when possible to limit your exposure to BPA.
Type
Although many canned foods are healthy, especially single-ingredient canned foods, like fruit, vegetables, fish and beans, not all canned foods make good choices. Many canned soups are high in salt and many canned meals are high in fat as well as salt. Opt for fruit canned in juice rather than in syrup, as the syrup is high in added sugar.
Considerations
Most people do not eat enough fruits, vegetables and beans, so if using canned versions of these foods makes it easier for you to eat these healthy foods, go ahead. The safety risks associated with canned foods are very small, and there are safety risks associated with fresh foods as well.
References
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Study Confirms Canned Foods Packed With Nutrition
- Environmental Working Group; A Survey of Bisphenol A in U.S. Canned Foods; March 2007
- FoxNews.com: Are Canned Foods Good for You?; Simon McNeil; February 2010
- American Dietetic Association; Fresh, Canned or Frozen? During National Nutrition Month, American Dietetic Association Reminds Consumers All Produce Can Be Enjoyed Anytime; February 2010
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