"It's almost eerie to consume something that's been sitting on a shelf, unrefrigerated for months, but the practice of canning has been around for hundreds of years, and is proven effective and safe. Now, a canned food's nutritional content and healthfulness are all dependent on what's inside. A can of meat lover's chili, complete with bacon bits, might not be a health-conscious choice, while a canned vegetable might contain some key nutrients like fiber, vitamins,"
"Many folks avoid canned vegetables because they believe the nutrient content is reduced due to the process. However, studies show that most of those nutrients are retained. A major reason for nutrient reduction actually happens before the canning, freezing, or preservation process post-harvest. After a fruit or vegetable is picked, the quicker it's processed, the better, because it will lose nutrients during that waiting period."
Canned foods have attracted criticism for high sodium, BPA concerns, and perceived lack of freshness, but canning is a centuries-old, effective, and safe preservation method. Nutritional content depends on the can's ingredients; processed meat-based canned meals can be unhealthy, while canned vegetables can provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrient loss more commonly occurs between harvest and processing, so rapid processing preserves nutrients. Fresh produce loses nutrients during shipping and grocery storage as well. Canning preserves nutrients immediately after harvest, making some canned items highly nutritious when selected carefully.
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