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Published: 19 June 2023, Monday
Let's talk about it!
A lot of people think canned food is not as healthy as fresh produce - but that's actually not true. In fact, recent studies have shown that eating more canned food can actually lead to a healthier and more nutritious diet! So, let's dive into some common nutrition myths about canned food and why they're just not true.
(Photo: A basket full of assorted canned foods)
One of the biggest myths about canned food is that it's not as nutritious as fresh produce - that’s a big myth! Canned food can be just as nutritious as fresh fruits and veggies, and sometimes even more so. That's because canned food is often picked and packed at the peak of its ripeness, which means it's packed with nutrients. Plus, the canning process actually seals in those nutrients, so most of the nutrients stay intact throughout the process. So, if you want to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, canned food is definitely a great option!
(Photo: Rows of canned soups from our Market Place program)
Another common myth is that canned food is full of preservatives. While some canned foods do contain preservatives, not all of them do. Many canned foods are simply packed in water or natural juices. So, if you're worried about preservatives, just check the label. Plus, many canned foods are now available in BPA-free cans, which means they're safe to consume and don't contain any harmful chemicals.
Some people think that canned food is bad for the environment because of the waste it produces. But actually, canned food is better for the environment than fresh produce in many ways. For one thing, canned food has a longer shelf life, so it's less likely to go to waste - for us at Food from the Heart, this is especially important as it means that our beneficiaries have a longer lasting supply of food!
Plus, the canning process requires less transportation and energy than the transportation and refrigeration required for fresh produce. That means canned food has a lower carbon footprint than fresh produce, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option.
(Photo: A Food from the Heart staff member assisting a Community Shop beneficiary)
At Food from the Heart, we strive to provide a consistent and reliable supply of nutritious food to our over 59,300 beneficiaries and canned food has been one of our staples since the start of our Community Food Pack and School Goodie Bag programmes.
Canned food is a great option for a healthy diet and is not as bad as it's made out to be. So, the next time you're at the grocery store or shopping online for yourself or to donate, don't be afraid to pick up some canned goods. They might just be the best option for you and the environment.
And if you're looking for a way to give back to the community and help those in need, consider donating canned food to Food from the Heart at 130 Joo Seng Road, #03-01. Your donation could make a big difference in someone's life, and you'll be doing your part to help reduce food waste and preserve the planet's natural resources.
Read these articles for more insights into the benefits of eating canned food:
