Canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh and frozen foods because canning preserves many nutrients. The amount of minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, protein, fat and carbohydrate remain relatively unchanged by the process of canning.
Here are some of the healthiest canned vegetables you can buy: Spinach. Tomatoes. Corn.
1. Corn. The resounding favorite, these canned golden kernels taste as sweet as candy but pack in way more nutrients without any added sugar. We're ready to throw them on tacos and add to casseroles, salsas and salads.
"Fresh veggies often taste the best, especially if the vegetable is in season. But the good news is that the nutritional value of a vegetable isn't reduced during either the canning or freezing process — making canned or frozen veggies just as healthy as fresh ones.
Canned Vegetables, Such as Green Beans, Carrots, and Peas
To pack in as many healthy vitamins and minerals as possible, order a case of mixed vegetable cans from Libby's. Inside each can, you'll find peas, carrots, corn, lima beans, and green beans, giving you a well-balanced meal straight from the jar.
Is canned tuna fish good for you? Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.
Sardines are a type of small, oily fish that contain a lot of important nutrients. Both fresh and canned sardines have health benefits, including helping to fight inflammation and supporting the health of your heart, bones, and immune system.
Tinned potatoes are a source of vitamins B6, C and fibre. They also contain some copper, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, vitamins B3 and B5. These fruits are naturally high in fibre and contain small amounts of potassium in a standard serving of about 3 prunes (30g).
When you're choosing canned or jarred products, take a moment to check the quality of the packaging. Do not purchase jars or cans that are dented, leaking, cracked or have bulging lids. Avoid cans that are dusty or have torn labels – this may mean that they have been sitting on the shelf a long time.
“I wouldn't recommend eating a diet that's entirely made of canned foods,” says Ansel. “But I wouldn't be concerned about eating a serving of canned food a day if it helps you work in more healthy foods like beans and veggies, especially since few of us are eating enough of these foods to begin with.”
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Nutritionally comparable with fresh
However, small amounts of vitamins, especially the heat-sensitive ones like vitamin C, may be lost during the canning process. Fat-soluble vitamins, however, including vitamins E and A, tend to be higher in canned produce like carrots and tomatoes.
A Harvard study found that consuming just one to two servings of sardines every week provides enough omega-3 fatty acids to reduce your chances of heart disease by more than one-third.
Still, tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins B and A. This fish is also a good source of iron, phosphorous, and selenium. Sardines do not have a lot of mercury in them, so they're healthier in that regard.
Water-packed sardines just won't have the same rich flavor and can taste a bit water-logged. Oil, however, locks in the fish's flavor and keeps each sardine super-moist. Opt for olive oil, rather than other oils, as its savory characteristics really complement the sardines.
Oil vs Water
Tuna packed in water will contain fewer calories and less fat but also allows for the loss of omega 3 fatty acids to occur. Water-packed also dilutes the natural juices and flavors contained within the fish and can lead to a more rounded and less refined taste.
If your iron levels are solid but you could use some more zinc, potassium, or phosphorus, then chicken is a better choice. In the end, the choice between tuna and chicken boils down to what you need. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed lots of lean, low-calorie protein, with vitamins and minerals galore.
#1 – Grains. Grains are a great way to provide foundational nutrients and calories to a survival diet. Including a variety of grains will diversify the nutrients in your diet. Some grains are easier to prepare than others.