Fresh Isn't Necessarily Best

Canned fruits and veggies might not look as appealing as fresh, but when it comes to nutrition, they're far from second-rate.

"Canning makes nutrients like beta-carotene and lycopene more available," said Dr. Janice Stuff, a registered dietitian with the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine. "And although some heat-sensitive and water-soluble nutrients leach out during canning, most can be reclaimed by using the canning liquid."

Canned fruits and vegetables may also be the better choice for people who tend to allow fresh produce to languish in the crisper for days after purchase.

"Fresh produce continues to lose sensitive nutrients until consumed, while the nutritional content of canned remains stable for up to two years" Dr. Stuff explained.

Although canned fruits and vegetables may offer nutritional advantage, they also tend to be high in sodium and added sugar.

"Look for low-sodium and juice-packed versions," Dr. Stuff advised.

- Courtesy of Baylor College of Medicine

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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