Canned Soup Vs Homemade

While many people dealing with increasingly busy schedules have come to rely on prepackaged and ready made dinner options, there are some hidden dangers in these preparations that go beyond their nutritional (or lack thereof) content. Not only are harmful additives such as MSG often covered up by the generically labeled 'spice' on the back of the label, but the packaging of some of these options also leaves a great deal to be desired. Canned goods for example can have a variety of problems associated with them ranging from concerns about Botulism to Bisphenol A.



The latter, Bisphenol A, has been of recent concern among food health advocates. According to some studies, this potentially toxic substance is used to coat the inner surface of cans. This substance has however been associated with being an endocrine disrupter. Studies and consumer reports have expressed grave concern about this substance particularly when consumed by small children and babies. In November 2009 the consumer report stated that adverse effects had been linked to Bisphenol A.



Some of these effects include reproductive abnormalities, a heightened risk for certain kinds of cancers including breast and prostate cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And while Bisphenol A is used primarily in the making of plastics (another reason to avoid plastic drinking bottles and opt for stainless steel reusable bottles), it is also found among some of our favourite canned soups.



So while canned soups might be some of the quickest means to put a hot meal on the table or to offer your child what might be a healthier lunch option, the truth of the matter is that you may want to avoid this. Although it is quick and easy and some soups which are organic might even be healthy in and of themselves, the canning process is something that might be harming you or your family.



Making your own soup is a lot less difficult then some people suspect. Next time you're boiling your carrots take that leftover water, add a few onions and some celery and, if you like, that leftover chicken bone, and simmer yourself a great stock. Some might even chose to blend this up together once its ready for a thicker stock option. Add the vegetables, lentils, beans or meat that you like and your almost done. The longer a soup simmers of course the better it will taste, but with just a slight bit of planning ahead you will have a much more affordable and safer option. Making a big batch and freezing some is also a great way to save time and to have something easy to grab as a side dish at your next dinner.



Making your own soup is a great way to use up leftover veggies that are looking a little soggy. You can throw in a variety of things, depending on what you've got and what you like. Whatever the case, this will certainly be a healthier and less expensive option that going for canned soups no matter how terrific the ingredients they claim to have used. The canning process itself, as it stands, is potentially harmful and caution is therefore warranted.

Chester Ku-Lea is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our blog at AstroNutrition.com/blog.