Frozen Veggies are the best way to go!
Canned foods are almost always higher in sodium than their fresh or frozen counterparts. Salt, or sodium chloride, is often used as a preservative as well as a flavor-enhancer. Sodium intake is one factor that is involved in the development of high blood pressure. On average, Americans consume somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 milligrams of sodium each day, much higher than the 2300 milligrams recommended. Rinsing some canned foods can be beneficial. For example, rinsing canned tuna for 3 minutes was shown to reduce sodium content by as much as 80% in one study. The rinsing did not affect the salt content of canned beans, however.
After a December Consumer Reports article, much media coverage has focused on Bisphenol-A (BPA) as a component of the resin lining inside most commercial food cans. BPA has been linked to an increased risk of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the available data to find if there is an acceptable amount of BPA to be allowed into the packaging of food products, particularly those that are marketed for children.
Fresh and frozen foods are the recommended forms in order to gain the most nutritional benefit with the least side effects. However, canned foods can be healthful as well, particularly if they create a tendency to include more fruits and vegetables to the dinner plate. Be sure to look for BPA free cans, and rinse foods before eating to reduce sodium.
