Canned fruit's sweet deception: Hidden health risks revealed
Peaches, apricots, and pears are often added to cakes and desserts. A healthy component for a salad? Not necessarily. If you're reaching for canned fruit, such an ingredient might do more harm than good. Processed peaches drenched in high-fructose corn syrup have few vitamins and a lot of sugar.
Although the best ones come straight from the bush, you can easily replenish vitamin deficiencies even outside the season. So why are canned peaches or apricots still a common choice?
What does a can of fruit hide?
Canned fruits have become a popular option for those who value convenience and quick meal preparation due to their long shelf life. However, many consumers do not consider what they are actually consuming every time they open a can.
Fruits in syrup contain a very high amount of sugar and preservatives, which negatively impact health. Fruits in syrup are true calorie bombs. The presence of high-fructose corn syrup and other additives increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, obesity, and heart diseases.
Beware of all canned products
The can itself also contains substances that may be harmful to the body. Aluminum, from which it is made, penetrates into the food at low concentrations. Scientists, however, see no objections, as most aluminum is excreted in urine.
Bisphenol A (BPA) raises more controversies, as it is also used in can manufacturing. Like aluminum, it can penetrate into the food. Research indicates that BPA can lead to hormonal disruptions and might cause liver damage or promote the development of certain cancers.
Fresh, dried, or canned fruits? A comparison of sugar content
Fresh fruits contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose, but in relatively balanced amounts, making them an excellent source of energy without excessively burdening the body. A high amount of fibre ensures that sugars do not easily penetrate the body and do not cause a sudden insulin spike. Additionally, their water content aids in hydration and improves metabolism.
Dried fruits, although they contain the same natural sugars, are more concentrated. The lower water content means that the amount of sugar per unit of mass is much higher than that of their fresh counterparts. Dried fruits are often additionally sweetened, which increases their caloric content. However, they are much healthier than popular sweets and contain large amounts of fibre, positively affecting the digestive system. If you need an energy boost, opt for dried plums, apricots, or raisins.
Canned fruits have by far the highest sugar content, often due to high-fructose corn syrup, which significantly increases their sweetness and caloric content. This combination makes canned fruits the least healthy option, especially for those watching their calorie intake and blood sugar levels.
