Is It Safe To Heat Up Food In Its Can?
Canned food comes in its own container which is super convenient, but can you capitalize on this container but heating the food inside the can?
You may have heard that heating up canned foods in their can may release harmful chemicals into the food. This is true! Heating up food in a can cause chemicals, to leach into your food. The can itself has a chemical sealant on the inside of the can that is stable when the can is on the shelf but can be released when the can is heated.
Will heating the can be a problem if you do it just once or two? No, probably not. But this isn’t something you’d want to do repeatedly as the chemicals can be more of a problem the more you do it.
Also, if you do go ahead and try to heat your food in its can, make sure to open the lid first! The expanding of the food in the can will cause major problems if the can is sealed as the can might rupture in a violent way, making a mess of hot food.
Lastly, if you do want to try this, use a gentle form of heat, like a double boiler or steamer basket to heat the can. You should never put the can directly on a flame, in an oven, or near any direct heat source, no matter how hungry or experimental you might be feeling.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound that is used in the production of plastics and resins. It was found in many common household items, such as water bottles, food cans, and receipts. BPA has been linked to a variety of health problems, including infertility, cancer, and obesity. When heated, BPA can leach out of these products and into your food.
BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical that has been linked to a variety of health problems, including infertility, cancer, and obesity. It’s not as common as it once was, but it’s a good example of a chemical that can leach into food from its can, particularly when the can is heated.
So, what can you do to avoid BPA? Of course, try to choose canned foods that are labeled “BPA-free.”The best way to avoid it is to not heat up canned foods. If you must heat up canned foods, transfer the food into a glass or ceramic dish before heating it. Do not heat up food in the can itself. Additionally,
BPA was very common in plastics in the past, but have been phased out in the recent years.
Are There Any Other Chemicals I Should Be Concerned About?
Yes! There are many other chemicals that can be released from cans when they are heated up. These chemicals include phthalates and dioxins. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to birth defects, cancer, and reproductive problems. Dioxins are highly toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and other health problems.
Closing Thoughts
So, should you stop heating up canned foods altogether? The best way to avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals is to not heat up canned foods at all. To be safe, just transfer the food into a glass or ceramic dish before heating.