Why Does Canned Food Have So Much Sodium?

Canned foods are a convenient and shelf-stable way to provide nutrition and sustenance. But why does canned food have so much sodium?

Sodium is an essential mineral for human health, but too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The average American consumes about 3,500 milligrams of sodium a day, which is more than double the daily recommended amount. Canned foods are one of the culprits behind this high sodium intake, as they can contain up to 500 milligrams of sodium in just one serving.

One reason canned foods have so much sodium is to act as a preservative.

Sodium helps to keep canned food safe from bacteria and mold by slowing down the growth of microorganisms. This helps canned foods stay fresh longer and remain shelf-stable for extended periods of time. Additionally, sodium adds flavor to canned foods, making them more appealing to consumers.

Another factor contributing to the high levels of sodium in canned foods is that some manufacturers use salt as a “filler” ingredient. By adding salt to their products, manufacturers can increase the weight of their products without having to add any additional nutrients or calories. This means that consumers are getting less nutrition for their money when purchasing these types of products.

Conclusion

Canned food has high levels of sodium because it acts as a preservative and also because some manufacturers use salt as a filler ingredient. Too much sodium can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease; thus it is important for consumers to be aware of how much sodium is in their canned food purchases and take steps to reduce their overall intake.