Canned foods - are they good or bad for health?

 

People often think that canned foods contain less nutrients than fresh or frozen foods.

 Some people think canned foods contain harmful substances.  And they want to avoid it.  Others say that canned foods may be part of a healthy diet.

 During my article for today, with the permission of God Almighty, I will explain to you all these aspects, so that we can reach the final scientific conclusion on the consumption of canned goods.

 What are canned foods?

 Canning is a method used to preserve foods for a long period of time, by wrapping them in special airtight containers.

 Canning was developed in the late eighteenth century as a good way to secure food for warriors and the army during wars.

 The packaging process may vary in small degrees from product to product.  Rather, they all include the following basic steps:

 Manufacturing: The food is peeled, cut into slices, or cooked. Then sealing the foods in the cans. Then heating: that is, exposing the cans to heat, to eliminate bacteria and prevent food spoilage.

 This allows the food to maintain its consistency and to remain safe for use without spoiling for a period of 1 to 5 years.

 Among the most common foods that depend on canned foods are fruits, vegetables, legumes, seafood, and soups.

 How does the canning process affect the nutritional values ​​in the food?

 It is often thought that junk foods contain lower nutrient values, as compared to fresh or frozen foods.  However, research indicates that this information is not always correct.

 In fact, the canning process preserves most of the nutrients in the food.  Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are not affected by the canning process.  Most of the minerals and fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K are stable.  Therefore, studies indicate that foods high in nutrients retain the same benefits after the canning process.

 But since the canning process is subject to high heat, the water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and group of B vitamins, will be damaged.  Given that these vitamins are sensitive to heat in general.  Therefore, it may lose its nutritional values ​​during the preparation, cooking or storage process.

 Although the canning process may spoil certain vitamins.  On the other hand, however, it may lead to an increase in the concentrations of other health compounds.  For example: tomatoes and corn, they release more antioxidants while they are exposed to heat.  This makes canned foods a good source of antioxidants, fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.

 Canned foods are easy to use and do not spoil quickly:

 Relying on canned foods is a convenient and practical way to add more nutritional values ​​to your healthy meal.

 Many parts of the world lack safe foods rich in nutritional values.  Therefore, canning operations assist in the delivery of many types of foods to these areas throughout the year.  Today, we have been relying more on cans.  And it became possible to bring any food within the cans!  Considering that canned food can be stored safely for several years.  And it often requires a very short preparation time for the food.  Its material cost is often lower than that of fresh food.

 The cans may contain the chemical, BPA Bisphenol-A:

 This chemical is commonly used in food packaging, including canned food.  Studies indicate that this substance may transfer from the lining of the cans to the food we eat!

 In a study, more than 78 prepackaged foods were examined.  The result was more than 90% of these foods, containing the chemical Bisphenol.

 And in another study, consuming one package of cans daily, for 5 consecutive days, leads to an increase of more than 1000% of Bisphenol in the urine!

 Although some studies are conflicting or mixed.  However, most of these studies indicate a link between Bisphenol and an increased risk of health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and poor sexual ability in men.  Thus, to limit our body's exposure to this substance, it is advised not to rely on canned foods too much.

 Cans may contain dead bacteria:

 Although it is rare, some canned foods if not processed effectively may contain a dangerous bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum.

 Consuming contaminated foods may cause food poisoning.  It is a serious health problem that, if neglected, may lead to paralysis or death.

 Most cases of food poisoning are caused by improper handling of food.  It is very important not to eat canned food if the package is swollen, rust, leakage, or any defect.

 Some types of canned foods, but most of them, contain salts, sugars, or preservatives:

 In some cases or rather in most cases, salts, sugars and preservatives are added to the cans during the storage process.

 Some of these canned foods may be high in salt.  This is harmful to health, especially for patients with hypertension.  The cans may also contain sugars that are not without negative effects as well.

 Excessive consumption of sugar is associated with an increased risk of a number of chronic health problems, including obesity, heart disease and type 2 fracture disease.  Apart from the chemical preservatives and what they do in our bodies!

 How can I count on the right options?

 As with all foods, it is important to read the food ingredients on the packaging. Pay attention to the amount of salt present.  Choose the kind that contains little or no salt.  Praise be to God, everything is clearly written on the package.  Just pay attention to your options carefully before purchasing. The same is true for sugars.  To avoid excessive consumption of sugars.  For example, choose canned fruits that are preserved with water or juice and not preserved in syrup. The very important point for all canned foods: They must be washed well with water before consuming them, to get rid of the largest possible amount of salts, sugars and preservatives in them.

 So can I eat canned food?  Is it healthy or not?

 Conclusion: You can rely on canned foods, and they are considered a good healthy choice, in the absence of fresh or frozen foods.  With the necessity to read the ingredients before choosing them.  And wash the food well before consuming it.