The Dangers of Consuming Canned Foods

Canned foods, are inexpensive, convenient, and non-perishable, making them popular purchases at grocery stores. Although we know that fresh foods retain their nutrients better than canned foods, we still buy them not knowing the risks of using canned foods in our diet.

DID YOU KNOW…

1. The insides of the can are coated with the plastic bisphenol, commonly known as BPA

BPA, derived from crude oil, is the plastic lining in canned foods, which is used to keep the food fresh and to prevent the food from coming in contact with the aluminum tin can. But BPA is also poisonous even though the Food and Drug Administration tells us it is safe in small amounts. Reasearch has shown that bispenol can cause a variety of health issues including hormone imbalances, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and more.

2. Even though the cans are coated with a plastic lining, alumium leakage is possible

Aluminum is used to make tin cans because it is relatively cheap and light-weight, which is advantageous to the manufacturer. The plastic BPA lining is used so that the aluminum does not leak and contaminate the food. The reality is that aluminum leaks still happen during the sealing or cooking process where the cans are subjected to heat or when the food is heated in the can by the consumer. Aluminum accumlates in the body and can be detrimental to the nervous system and cause memory problems. Studies have shown that excessive aluminum in the body can lead to Alzhiemers.

3. Canned foods are loaded with preservatives

Canned foods can be kept for years and years all thanks to the use of many different preservatives; some natural such as vinegar, salt, and citric acid and some that we cannot pronounce. Canned beans, vegetables, and soups, are ridicously high in salt content. The salt, although considered a natural preservative, in excess can cause many health problems including hypertension and heart disease. Although chemical perservatives may not be needed to actually perserve the canned food, they are still used to improve the texture and enhance the flavour of the food. Chemical preservatives are known to cause breathing difficulties, heart problems, behavioural problems, and cancer. Those with previous health conditions, children, and pregnant women should avoid consuming foods with preservatives.

4. Most canned foods are imported

Canned foods are more inexpensive in the other parts of the world than it is in North America which is why North America chooses to import canned foods instead of making its own. Fruits and vegetables in canned foods are either those that are picked before they are ripe and so contain less nutrients than their already ripe counterparts, or those fruits and vegetables that are old and cannot be sold to grocery stores. The facilites in which these canned foods are made may not necessarily be hygenic or properly regulated. Lastly, since these canned foods are imported, you may very well be consuming them a few years after the fruit or vegetable has been picked or prepared.

CONCLUSION

For the above reasons and many unknown, it is benefical to avoid consuming canned foods.

What can you do to eliminate canned foods from your diet?

– Opt for fresh foods, frozen foods, and food in glass jars.

– Instead of buying canned beans, buy dry beans and soak them overnight. This way you also control the amount of salt in your food.

– Purchase tomatoe pastes and sauces sold in glass jars.

– Look for juices sold in cartons or glass bottles, rather than the tins found in the frozen aisle.

– Avoid canned meats, fish, and soups.

There is no denying that canned foods are convenient, but we should not put our health at risk for the sake of convenience.

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