I'm salt restricted. If I open a can of beans (pinto, etc) or vegetables there is too much salt in it, nearly 1000 mg, and often too much sugar. If I drain the can of its liquid, am I significantly reducing the salt and sugar? Also if I drain off the canning liquid, do I lose significant nutrients?

You have to remember that those veggies or beans have been stored and soaking in those juices every since they've been canned. They've probably absorbed as much as they can possibly can at that point pouring out the juices isn't going to make much of a difference. You're better off going to a farmers market and getting your veggies fresh or try an organic kind.

I agree with Elly that you should try to use fresh and organic foods. However, if you must eat canned foods, draining the liquid will remove a lot of the salt. How much, I don't know. Better less salt than all the salt. I doubt you would lose a whole lot of nutrients. Being salt restricted, I would try to avoid processed foods. Even so called "reduced sodium" foods can be high in sodium. They're just reduced from their normal extremely high amounts of sodium. I would suggest making your own beans. Dry bean are are really easy. You just can't have them on the spur of the moment since they need at least couple of hours soak time. Don't use any included seasoning packet. Use a little bit of sea salt, and lots of your own seasonings. Good luck!

Gina thats a great idea! im gunna have to try that for my beans! I love using fresh ingredients though so i know exactly what im intaking alot of countries buy their groceries from farmers markets on the way home and make enough for one night i wish that was something we did here in america! We'd have alot less obesity