Canned Food vs. Take Out…

Pressed for time but want to eat healthy? Make sure your pantry is stocked with the right foods to fall back on. Some canned foods can be quite healthy. Sardines, tuna, and salmon can be healthy sources of Omega 3s which are an important fat that is missing from the American diet. Fruits with no sugar added are high in fiber. Beans with low or no sodium can be a good source of protein. There are many companies responding to the demands of their customers by not adding unnecessary sugar and salt to their canned goods. Produce that is destined to be canned is picked at the peak of freshness. There is some Vitamin B and C loss in the canning process, but some foods provide excellent sources of calcium, potassium, and fiber. Heating tomatoes before they are canned increases the availability of lycopene (urinary health). This is also true for foods with orange pigments which optimize the benefits of beta-carotene (eye health). Look for canned foods with minimal ingredients and be aware of sugar and salt content. In addition, canned foods can save money and time if used properly and combined with other fresh ingredients.