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There is an undeniable convenience that comes with food from a can, and whether it be veggies, beans, fruit, or any other ingredient, it’s easy to load up on non-perishable items without worrying about your groceries going to waste. While canned foods do often contain similar nutrients to their fresh counterparts, that doesn’t mean that all items that come in a can make a valuable addition to your diet. In fact, health experts agree that there’s one canned food item you should be leaving on the shelf despite it making for an easy meal. The next time you reach for that can of soup on your way down the grocery aisle, you might want to think again.
Canned soup is a popular lazy dinner for when you’re low on inspiration and looking for something quick to heat up. However, while many soups do contain a number of vegetables and some form of protein, that doesn’t mean they actually provide any real nutrients of value to your meal plan. “Canned soups should be avoided because they tend to be high in sodium, refined sugars and carbs, and vegetable oils,” warns nutritionist Heather Hanks. “Most store-brand canned soups are a recipe for disaster because of all the inflammatory ingredients.”
Inflammation is one of the most common digestive issues across the board, and even if you are regularly following a healthy diet it can be difficult to see the visible results of your eating plan if bloating stands in the way. High-sodium foods are notorious for causing your body to retain more water weight, and regularly eating soups from a can will only further aggravate the issue. If you’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable, you may actually be more apt to turn to a canned soup to soothe your stomach, but the reality is it could only serve to make your issues worse.
“Campbell's chicken noodle soup contains processed chicken meat and noodles made with enriched white flour (gluten), which may lead to inflammation and GI upset, such as bloating, gas, and constipation,” explains Hanks. “These soups are also very nutrient-poor, meaning that they do not contribute much in the way of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients - like antioxidants.”
Although canned soup does offer undeniable ease to your eating plan, that is just about the only benefit it can provide to your life. It may take a little bit longer to prepare, but if soup is at the top of mind, Hanks suggests whipping up your own recipe from scratch in order to control the ingredients you're eating, while creating a heightened awareness of the sodium content so as to avoid inflammation.
“Try making your own at home using fresh vegetables, clear broth (be careful when picking out as many vegetable and chicken stocks contain added sugars), fresh herbs, and organic, pasture-raised meats,” she says. Using fresh vegetables in your soup will also provide an overall better taste, and you can even create a large pot that will offer you leftovers throughout the week if you hope to avoid cooking everyday.
Ease is often the priority when it comes to creating meals, which is why it’s common to turn to canned foods for sustenance on nights when you don’t feel like cooking. However, it’s important to note that in order to achieve long term weight loss goals, you’ll be best served eating dishes which can nourish your body and provide you with the vitamins and minerals needed to feel great in your skin.
While convenient, canned soups are packed with unhealthy carbs and sodium which can cause your body to hold onto inflammation, leaving you uncomfortable and bloated instead of fueled for a good day. With a little extra effort and forethought, making your own soup from scratch will better work to benefit your body and allow you to reach your goals without causing you to hold onto water weight.
