Canned Food: Healthy, No Preservatives Needed

Canned Food: Healthy, No Preservatives Needed

Many people think canned food is full of preservatives and less healthy than fresh food. But this is a common myth. The truth is, canned food is a safe, nutritious, and convenient choice.

Why No Preservatives Are Needed

Canned food lasts a long time because of how it's made, not because of chemicals. The food is sealed in a can and then heated to a very high temperature to kill all germs. After this, the can is sealed tightly so no new germs can get in. This process means preservatives are completely unnecessary.

Canned Food is Nutritious

You might be surprised, but canned food can be just as nutritious as fresh food, sometimes even more.

• Fruits & Vegetables: Fresh produce loses nutrients over time during transport and storage. Canned food is processed at its peak, so many nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals are locked in. For example, canned tomatoes can have more lycopene (a healthy antioxidant) than fresh ones.

• Meat & Fish: The canning process keeps most of the protein and healthy fats. Canned fish, like tuna and mackerel, is an excellent source of protein and Vitamin D.

Tips for Choosing the Best Cans

To make the healthiest choices:

1. Check the Label: Look for options with low sodium, low sugar, and low fat. For example, choose tuna packed in water instead of oil.

2. Avoid Syrup: When eating fruit cans, skip the sugary syrup to reduce your sugar intake.

3. Eat Once Opened: Once you open a can, treat it like fresh food and eat it soon.

In short, canned food is a great, preservative-free option for a quick meal or an emergency supply. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy its benefits without any worry.