Here are some things you should know about canned fish products.
Are those salmon and tuna cans still in your pantry? Many people stockpile canned fish these days to Njami Njami – Cooking & Recipes reduce trips to the supermarket. You don’t need to be concerned about what you eat from those cans.
Canned Fish: The benefits
Canned fish doesn’t only include salmon and tuna. Canned fish can also contain shrimp, sardines and clams. Canned fish is rich in protein, convenient, nutritious, and delicious. Protein is essential for the building and maintenance of muscles and tissues. The Canned Manufacturers Institute conducted a Survey of Consumer Perceptions and Consumption of Canned Protein Foods. It found that 9 out of 10 Americans use canned beans or chicken as a convenient source of protein.
Canned fish such as salmon and tuna have more nutrients than protein. Elana Natker MS, RD, director of consumer outreach and healthcare practitioner outreach at GOED, says that canned salmon and tuna are rich in nutrients. However, this is still less than the recommended 8 ounces per person in the Dietary Guidelines. Natker says, “You should also choose fish that contains measurable amounts of EPA or DHA omega-3s. These fatty acids are essential for a healthy brain, heart and eyes.” Shrimp and tilapia are two popular fish that provide omega-3s but are still healthy. Canned tuna and canned salmon are good sources of EPA, DHA and omega-3s.
Most Cans Are BPA-Free
Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used to line food cans, has been banned by more than 95%. There are new safe and efficient can linings. The linings of cans today are made from acrylic, nylon, non-BPA epoxyes, or olefin copomers. They have never been found to have endocrine activity (a concern with BPA). The can lining is also chosen to prevent foodborne illnesses by acting as strong barriers. Over 40 years, there has never been one case of foodborne disease caused by metal packaging.
Steel cans can be recycled over and over, for ever. According to Cans Get You Cooking, recycled cans have a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Pay attention to the Fat and Sodium Levels
The sodium content in canned foods is a concern. Even though your body only needs a small amount to function properly, too much sodium can have a negative impact on your health. According to the 2015-2020 dietary guidelines sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure. This is a leading cause of stroke and heart disease. Three ounces of chunky light tuna drained and packed in water contains 12% of the daily recommended sodium intake.
Consider the fat content of canned fish. Fish can be packed either in oil or water. Cans of canned fish packed with oil are better for calorie reduction and weight control. Instead, opt for canned fish that has been hydrated.
Bottom line
Canned fish is good for you! Canned fish is rich in nutrients, and the linings of cans are being updated by the canned food industries, so there’s no reason to not include it in your diet.
