Canned foods are often thought to be less nutritious than fresh or frozen foods.
Some people think that they contain many harmful ingredients and should be avoided.
Others say cans can be part of a healthy diet.
This article will explain all you need to know about canned food
What is canned food
Canned is a method used to protect food for a long time by packing them in sealed boxes
Boxed was first invented in the late 18th century as a way to provide a stable source of food for soldiers and sailors during the war.
The canning process may vary for each type of product , But there are always 3 main steps. Include:
- Processing: Food will be peeled, slice, chopped, drying, Peeled or cooked.
- Seal: Processed food is put in cans.
- Heat up: Cans are heated to kill harmful bacteria and prevent damage.
This allows food to be stable and safe to eat within 1-5 years or longer.
Common canned foods include fruits, vegetables, bean , soup, Meat and seafood of all kinds.
Summary: Canned is a method used to protect food for a long time. This process consists of 3 steps: processing, Sealed and heated.
How does canning affect the nutrition level?
Canned foods are often thought to be less nutritious Fresh food or frozen food , But many studies show that this is not always true.
In fact, canning protects most of the nutrients in food.
The protein , carb and fat is not affected by this process. Most minerals and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, K is still retained.
Therefore, Studies show that foods with a high concentration of nutrients still have the same amount of nutrients after canning ( ).
However, canning is often related to high temperatures , fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B may be damaged ( , ).
These vitamins are quite sensitive to temperature and air in general, and they can be lost during processing, Cooking and storing normally at home.
However, while canning process can destroy certain vitamins, the number of other healthy compounds has also increased .
For example, Tomatoes and corn release more antioxidants when at high temperatures, making their canned goods become a better source of antioxidants ( ).
Besides changing the nutritional level of some ingredients, then canned food is an important source of vitamins and minerals.
In one study, people who eat about 6 or more canned foods per week load more than 17 essential nutrients compared to people who eat only 2 or less canned foods per week (9).
Summary: Nutrient levels of some substances may be reduced due to the canning process , while other nutrients may increase. General , Canned food can provide nutrients equivalent to fresh or frozen items.
Canned foods are affordable, convenient and not easily damaged
Canned food is a very practical and convenient way to supplement much Nutritious food enter your diet.
The availability of safe and quality foods worldwide is in short supply. The canning ensures everyone can access a variety of foods year round.
In fact, today almost every kind of food is in canned form.
Besides, because canned food can be stored within a few years and often has a fairly fast preparation time, so they are extremely convenient.
Besides, they tend to be cheaper than fresh food.
Summary: Canned food is a source of essential nutrients and is affordable.
Canned food containing small amounts of BPA
BPA ( Bisphenol-A ) is a chemical commonly used in food packaging, including canned.
Studies show that BPA in canned foods can move from pads in cans to food.
One study looked at about 78 different canned foods and found BPA in 90% of them. More, Studies have shown that canned food is the leading cause of BPA exposure ( ).
In one study , participants who ate a canned soup daily for 5 days showed an increase of about 1,000% BPA in their urine .
Although the evidence is unclear, Some human studies have shown the association of BPA with health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sexual dysfunction in men ( ).
If you are trying to minimize exposure to BPA, eating less canned food is a good idea.
Summary: Canned food may contain BPA , a chemical related to health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Canned food can contain deadly bacteria
Although quite rare But improperly processed canned foods can contain extremely dangerous types of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum .
Using contaminated foods can cause poisoning, An extremely serious form of illness can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly.
Most cases of poisoning come from unboxed food properly. Meat poisoning from commercial canned foods is rare.
It is important to never eat swollen canned foods , cracked, or leakage.
Summary: Properly processed canned foods can contain many deadly bacteria , but the risk of infection is quite low.
Some types of cans add salt, sugar or preservatives
Salt , Street, Occasional preservatives are added to the canning process.
Some types of canned foods are high in salt. Although this does not pose a health risk to everyone, it can cause problems for a few people, For example, people with high blood pressure.
They may also contain Street , may have many toxic effects.
Excess sugar is associated with an increased risk of many diseases, including obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes ( , , , ).
A variety of other natural or chemical preservatives can also be added.
Summary: Salt , Sugar or preservatives can be added to canned foods to improve flavor , their texture and form.
How to make the right choice
Like all foods , It is important to check the brand and ingredient ingredients.
If salt intake is your concern , Choose "low sodium" or "no salt."
To avoid the road , Choose canned fruits in water or juice instead of syrup.
Dried or soaked foods also reduce their salt and sugar levels.
Many types of canned foods do not have any ingredients added , But the only way to be sure is to read the ingredients carefully.
Summary: Not all canned foods are created the same. So it is important that you read the brand and ingredient ingredients carefully.
Should we eat canned food?
Canned food can be a very nutritious choice when fresh food is not available.
They provide essential and extremely convenient nutrients.
Can say that , Canned food is a significant source of BPA , Can cause many health problems.
Canned foods can be part of a healthy diet , But it is important to read the label carefully and make the right choice
