Canned foods and your health
Canned foods high in vitamin A and related carotenes, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, protect the the body's cells and improve night vision. Canned tomatoes have high levels of lycopene, which studies show to help prevent prostate cancer. In fact, there are indicators showing lycopene is even more effective when derived from canned or heated tomatoes rather than fresh. Canned salmon is higher in calcium than fresh or frozen salmon. Research indicates the heating process used to can foods actually makes fiber more soluble and easier for the body to use. Nearly all canned fruits and vegetables are fat-free.
Contrary to popular belief, canned fruits and vegetables use no chemical preservatives, but are preserved via natural heat methods. Vitamin contents of canned foods may be even higher than the label indicates. Manufacturers are only required to put the minimums on the label. Some canned carrots provide as much as 300% of the Recommended Daily Intake for vitamin A.
Canned food tips and hints
• Be sure to examine canned foods before consuming. If the can is dented, misshapen, or leaking, do not purchase. Bulging cans are an indication of spoilage and should not be used.
• Dispose of potential spoiled canned goods in a manner to prevent consumption by other people or animals.
• For cans not date-stamped by the manufacturer, use a permanent marker to date your canned goods and use older cans first. Canned foods can last 1-2 years when properly stored.
• Although it's not harmful to store food in an open can in the refrigerator for a day or so, it's still a better idea to store leftover canned goods in a glass or plastic covered container.
• Remember that canned foods have already been cooked once, so don't overcook them.
• The liquid also includes nutrients, so rather than draining and adding water, use the canning liquid.
• Fruits packed in their own juices are a better choice than those with syrups
