Eating food straight out of a can? Let's discuss its good, bad and ugly!

Canning is a method of preserving foods for long periods of time by packing them in airtight containers. It was first developed in the late 18th century as a way to provide a stable food source for soldiers and sailors at war.

Canning can vary slightly depending on the product, but there are usually three main steps involved in the process, namely processing, sealing and heating. This allows food to be shelf-stable and safe to eat for 1–5 years or sometimes for even longer. Common canned foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, meats and seafood.

Canned foods are often thought to be less nutritious than fresh or frozen foods, but research by US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that that is not the case always. In fact, canning preserves most of a food’s nutrients as protein, carbs and fat are unaffected by the process. Most minerals and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K are also retained.

Extremely popular in the USA, canned foods are slowly gaining prominence in the Indian food market as more people are including them as a part of their diets. But before buying canned items make sure you read the labels carefully as some of them may contain preservatives like citric & ascorbic acid, sodium benzoate, vinegar, salt, calcium propionate to prevent spoilage and to increase the shelf life of food, and these may not be great for your health.

Let's take a careful look at the pros and cons of canned food.

Convenient

Fresh foods are always an easy option, especially with certain fruits and vegetables, a quick wash and prep and you'll be good to go. However, other food items like meats can be time-consuming to cook and prepare. Canned foods are quick and easy, and can be served at the flip of a lid. They are also travel friendly and can stored for longer durations. Plus they don’t need to be refrigerated unless they’ve already been opened.

Affordable

Various ingredients are required to prepare a single meal which adds to grocery expenditure. In comparison to home-cooked dishes, canned foods are fairly affordable and equally delicious. More so for students and young adults who find themselves managing on tight budgets.

Longer shelf-life

Most canned foods have a shelf life of a year atleast. On the flip side, home-cooked meals must be consumed in a day or two to prevent spoilage.

Cons of Canned Food

High in sugar and sodium

Due to the presence of preservatives, canned foods contain an unhealthy amount of salt and sugar which may be unsafe for the body. It should be noted that regular consumption of canned items can lead to obesity, heart issues, diabetes and hypertension.

Contains BPA

A chemical known as bisphenol-A (BPA) is used in the packing of canned foods. The chemical is found in aluminum cans and tins and is responsible for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and infertility.

Less in variety

Not all foods can be preserved in an airtight container, therefore a lesser variety of canned foods are available. However, with cooking, one can let their food fantasies run wild and cook up whatever they feel like eating.

Also watch: Healthy foods that promise a great start to your day