Does Metal Leach Into Canned Food?

Most of us have probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat”, and it certainly rings true when it comes to canned food. Recent studies have been conducted to investigate whether or not metal leaches into canned food, and the findings are alarming.

Metals such as aluminum, iron and nickel can all be found in cans that are used to store food. It is thought that these metals can leach into the food inside the can, which can lead to various health issues for those who consume it. While some metals may not be dangerous in small amounts, others such as aluminum have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.

In addition to potential health risks, metal leaching into canned food also affects its taste and texture. Metal ions in the can react with molecules in the food and break down its structure over time, resulting in a change to its flavor and texture. This means that if you buy a can of soup or vegetables today and eat it a week later, it may not taste as good or have the same consistency as when it was first bought.

The good news is that there are ways to reduce metal leaching into canned foods. One of these is to always check expiration dates before eating any canned goods; if they are close to expiring, do not purchase them as this could increase your risk of metal contamination from the cans.

Additionally, be sure to store your canned goods away from sources of heat such as stoves and radiators; this will reduce their rate of leaching into your food. Finally, try switching away from traditional cans when possible — many companies now offer BPA-free plastic or glass containers for their products which may reduce your risk of metal contamination even further.

Conclusion:

The reality is that metal does leach into canned food but there are measures we can take such as checking expiration dates on cans before purchasing them and switching away from traditional cans when possible which may reduce our risk of metal contamination even further.