1. Characteristics of Canned Foods
Canning is a method of preserving food for long periods by heat-sterilizing and sealing it. While some water-soluble vitamins may be lost in this process, the basic nutritional content may not be significantly different from fresh ingredients. The problem lies in the ‘additives’ used to enhance flavor and preservation.
2. Canned Corn: What to Check?
– Added Sugar: Many canned corn products, especially those sold under the name ‘sweet corn,’ have added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or corn syrup to enhance their sweetness. These added sugars are a major cause of sharp blood sugar spikes.
– Sodium: Most canned products contain added salt for preservation and flavor. Excessive sodium intake is harmful to blood pressure management.
– The Importance of Checking the Nutrition Label: Therefore, when buying canned corn, it is essential to check the ‘ingredients list’ and ‘nutrition facts’ on the back of the product. It is important to get into the habit of checking whether sugar or other sweeteners are included in addition to ‘corn, water, salt,’ and whether the sodium content is too high.
3. Better Choices
The best options are to use ‘frozen corn,’ which typically has no additives, or to eat freshly steamed corn. If you must use canned corn, choose a product with no added sugar or salt if possible. Rinsing the corn in a sieve under running water before use can help to remove some of the sodium.
Summary: Canned corn is convenient, but depending on the product, it can contain a significant amount of added sugar and sodium. Therefore, it can be more disadvantageous for blood sugar and blood pressure management than fresh steamed corn, so you must check the ingredients label when purchasing.
Leave a Reply