Are canned foods healthy? Know the pros and cons for better health

Are canned food healthy? Know the pros and cons for better health | Photo credit: iStock Images

Key highlights

• Canned food came as a blessing for people with busy and hectic lifestyles

• Canned foods are considered to be one of the easiest ways to get the nutrients you need

• It was in the 18th century when the first canned food was developed

New Delhi: An incredible way of preserving food. It was in 1810 that an Englishman named Peter Durand introduced an innovative and safe method of sealing food in tin cans. Science and technology evolve every day and find innovative solutions for people to make their lives easier and more comfortable. Extremely popular in the United States, canned foods are slowly gaining traction in the Indian food market as more and more people inculcate them as part of their diet.

Benefits of canned food

The benefits of canned food are as follows:

1. Practically: Homemade meals take time and effort to prepare. However, one can simply break open a can if one wants to consume canned food, making it a convenient food option.
2. Affordable: Different ingredients go into the preparation of a single meal, adding to the cost of the shopping list. Compared to homemade dishes, canned foods are pretty affordable and just as tasty.
3. Longer shelf life: A single can of food can stay fresh and safe for 1 to 5 years. Homemade meals, however, need to be eaten in a day or two to avoid spoilage.

Cons of canned food

The disadvantages of canned food are as follows:

1. High in sugar and sodium: Due to the presence of preservatives, canned foods can contain unhealthy amounts of salt and sugar, which can be dangerous to the body, and regular consumption puts you at risk of developing obesity, heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
2. Contains BPA: A chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) is used in food packaging. It has been linked to the risk of developing cardiovascular and other health problems. Canned foods can contain BPA and, if consumed regularly, can damage the body.
3. Less varied: Not all food can be stored in an airtight can, so there is less choice of canned food. When cooking, however, you can let your food fantasies run wild and cook whatever you feel like eating.

Canned Food – To Eat Or Avoid?

While we know that canned food can be a good option in some cases because it serves its purpose well – that is, it makes people’s lives easier – we cannot ignore the shortcomings that come with it. Food is essential for the body to function efficiently, and improper food choices can lead to an unhealthy body. It is recommended, therefore, not to make canned food a habit and to work towards maintaining a balance between freshly prepared foods. Not only does this help keep the body healthy, but it also saves you from falling into the trap of a monotonous and unhealthy eating routine. In addition, it is important to read the labels carefully before purchasing canned food.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for general information only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting any fitness program or changing your diet.

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source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/are-canned-foods-healthy-know-the-pros-and-cons-for-better-health/