For many homes, canned goods are the best convenience and shelf life option. However, not every product that comes in a can is made equal. Some can be shockingly unhealthy, containing high levels of sugar, preservatives, and sodium that can harm your health. Here are 20 of the worst canned goods you should consider before putting them in your shopping basket.
1. Soups In Cans
Numerous canned soups are well-known for their high salt levels. One dish can contain over half of the daily recommended salt intake. Many also contain cream bases, adding extra calories and fat.
2. Chili In A Can
Chilli in a can is frequently high in saturated fats and sodium. Some products are far from healthy options because they may contain additional sugars and preservatives.
3. Pasta And Ravioli In Cans
These quick meals are great for kids but also include a lot of processed carbohydrates and sodium. They can be high in sugar and usually low in fibre, mainly when they include tomato sauce.
4. Meat In A Can
Canned meats like ham and ham contain significant saturated fats and sodium. Preservatives like sodium nitrite, which can be dangerous in excess, are frequently found in them.
5. Fruit Cans In Syrup
Fruit is a nutritious food in and of itself, but if canned in heavy or light syrup, it turns into a sugar bomb. Without offering any valuable nutrients, these additional sugars increase calorie intake.
6. Coconut Milk In A Can
Regular canned coconut milk contains a lot of saturated fats, which, if ingested in excess, might cause heart disease. If you must use it in recipes, going with the lighter varieties may be a healthier option.
7. Baked Beans In A Can
While beans are typically considered healthful, baked beans in cans are frequently laden with additional salt and sugar. Homemade beans are equally enjoyable and far healthier.
8. Creamed Corn In A Can
Creamed corn frequently has a lot of sugar and occasionally fat. It’s less nutritious than the high-fiber corn kernels found in fresh or frozen corn.
9. Salt-Added Canned Fish
Even while canned salmon and tuna are healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, the added salt in canned fish can greatly increase one’s sodium intake.
10. Cheese Sauce In A Can
Generally, canned cheese sauces are heavy in fat, sodium, and preservatives. They don’t taste as good as actual, freshly grated cheese.
11. Sloppy Joe Sauce In A Can
This convenience food is high in sodium and added sugars. It’s a better option to make your sauce from scratch with fresh ingredients.
12. Green Beans In A Can
Compared to their fresh or frozen counterparts, canned green beans are inferior in nutrition and can contain a lot of added salt.
13. Cranberry Sauce In A Can
Canned cranberry sauce, a Christmas classic, has shocking added sugar. Each dish may have as much as 24 grams of sugar.
14. Clam Chowder In A Can
Canary clam chowder is a thick, creamy soup high in saturated fats and sodium, making it a less healthy option.
15. Gravy In A Can
Preservatives, oil, and sodium are frequently added to canned gravies. They can make a meal that would otherwise be healthful and high in calories.
16. Frosting In A Can
Candid frosting is full of unhealthy fats and sugars, even though it’s not a meal or side dish. Making a homemade version with natural components and less sugar is preferable.
17. Pie Fillings From Cans
Canned pie fillings, like many fruit items in cans, are too sweet and often contain additional sugars, colouring,g and preservatives.
18. Pork And Beans In A Can
Canned beans and pork, typically prepared with a lot of sugar and salt, are another example of how manufacturers turn a healthy product into something less nutritious.
19. Pasta Sauce In A Can
Although convenient, many canned spaghetti sauces contain added sugars and sodium. By making your sauce from scratch, you may be in charge of what goes into it.
20. Custard In A Can
Canned custard may contain various chemicals and high sugar content to extend its shelf life. Choosing a homemade version can result in a substantial reduction in added sugar and additives.
A balanced diet can include canned goods, but reading the labels and selecting products with minimal sodium and no added sugars is essential. Avoid premade products and choose fresh or frozen options to reduce your consumption of harmful substances. Implementing these modifications can significantly improve your general health.
Thanks for reading.