Have You Tried These Canned Proteins?
By Sara Butler
Proteins are an essential building block for everyone but there are many sources that aren't that great for overall health due to high amounts of saturated fat. Still, you need protein to help your body repair and rebuild each day, which means you have to change up the game every once in a while to find new, healthy sources for it.
Canned foods tend to have a bad reputation because they are often filled with salt and ingredients you may never have heard of before. But many canned foods are underrated sources of protein that can be healthy. Here are a few you may want to try.
How to Find Healthy Canned Proteins
There are a few things you should be on the lookout for when choosing proteins in a can. You should:
- Choose low-sodium options - Look for canned foods labeled as low sodium. If none are available, you can reduce the sodium in any canned food by up to 50 percent by simply washing the contents once you open it with water to wash away the salt.
- Choose BPA-free packaging - A chemical often used to package food is BPA, but it's been found to be bad for your health, especially for children. Choose BPA-free options when possible.
- Choose water over oil - Some proteins are packed in oil or water. The healthier choice is to choose water to reduce overall added calories and fat.
Some Canned Proteins to Try
You probably already are familiar with tuna and chickpeas, but they're not the only source of canned protein out there. Expand your choices by looking for:
- Canned salmon - Fatty fish like salmon is great for your heart and can help reduce your risk of stroke if included in your diet twice per week
- Cannellini beans - Black beans and chickpeas are a staple in many kitchens, but cannellini beans are a great addition, too. These white kidney beans are a great source of fiber, iron, and potassium.
- Chicken - Chicken does come in a can and you shouldn't be afraid to try it! Canned chicken can help you save time during meal prep and it's just as high in protein, vitamins, and minerals as non-canned chicken breast is. It's easy to add to casseroles and salads to up their protein profile.
Don't miss out on protein that's easy and affordable -- like the protein you can find in a can!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fontana, Calif.