Are Canned Peaches Bad For You?
Short answer
Canned peaches are a good source of nutrients, but may also contain chemicals in the can lining that do more harm than good.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
First the good news: Many use canned peaches as an alternative to fresh, especially when fresh peaches are out of season. Although nothing can compare to that juicy flavor, studies have shown that they have as high (if not a higher) concentration of nutrients than their fresh counterparts. Canned peaches have higher levels of vitamins A, C, and folate, which are imperative for immune function and fetal development, respectively. They also contain good levels of vitamin B and potassium. Potassium is essential for normal heart function, while vitamin B helps the body effectively use food as fuel. It is important to buy canned peaches in their natural juice (or canned with water) as artificial syrups contain more sugar, calories, and may reap unwanted side effects.
Now the bad news: There have been concerns about the canning process and whether or not it is safe to eat foods from them. The chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) has been found in the linings of roughly 90% of all canned foods, and peaches are no exception. Known as an endocrine disruptor, BPA can interfere with the normal functioning of hormones, and is linked to breast and prostate cancer, infertility, and birth defects in newborns (when consumed by the pregnant mother). Interestingly, the FDA has yet to place any limits on its use. If you are craving that wonderful peachy taste, be aware that while you will be getting some good nutrients, this is still an issue. Here is what we recommend: When fresh peaches are available, buy them instead. When canned peaches are the only option, keep the word 'moderation' in mind.
Possible long-term side effects
- infertility
-
birth defects in newborns
-
prostate cancer
-
breast cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- peaches:
-
promote eye health
-
reduce cholesterol
-
increase energy
-
improve heart function
-
improve muscle function
-
boost immune system
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Native Forest Sliced Peaches
- Organic fruit
- Rich in vitamins
- No preservatives
- Conveniently sliced
- BPA-free cans
Learn More!
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Approved by 
