Are Nitrates Bad For You?

[missybean]

I would like to make some of my own nitrate free breakfast sausage or buy some and I'm noticing that a lot of natural recipes call for naturally occuring nitrates like celery powder or juice. My question is are all nitrates the same? Naturally occurring or chemical added. I'm confused. Whats the difference between the bacon I buy that has nitrates in it versus bacon I could make on my own? I think I have a sensivity to nitrate this is why I'm avoiding them plus I heard they are bad for you and it seems nitrates are in everything. Uhhhhh. I'm trying to eat more protein since I don't do well with carbs even fruit and protein holds me over better. I can't have eggs anymore or casien or soy so meat and nuts are really the only protein source I have right now. Also if anyone has any good nitrate free sausage recipes they would like to share that would greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[minniejack]

We try to limit the sulphites and nitrates buy buying Hormel Naturals and Applegate Farms products.

[woodnewt]

I don't know of any articles offhand on whether there's a difference between "naturally" occurring and "chemically" added nitrates, but from my own experiences of dealing with a family member who is sensitive to them, it doesn't make any difference.

If you have a true sensitivity to nitrates, you will have a much bigger problem with certain vegetables (particularly green leaf) than processed meats. Depending on the fertilizer added and harvesting conditions, vegetables can have much, much more nitrates than what's added to meat. Open Original Shared Link

If you are getting sick from processed meat, might want to consider also looking into other chemical additives such as sodium phosphate. Nasty stuff.

[missybean]

I don't know of any articles offhand on whether there's a difference between "naturally" occurring and "chemically" added nitrates, but from my own experiences of dealing with a family member who is sensitive to them, it doesn't make any difference.

If you have a true sensitivity to nitrates, you will have a much bigger problem with certain vegetables (particularly green leaf) than processed meats. Depending on the fertilizer added and harvesting conditions, vegetables can have much, much more nitrates than what's added to meat. Open Original Shared Link

If you are getting sick from processed meat, might want to consider also looking into other chemical additives such as sodium phosphate. Nasty stuff.

Thanks for the info. Scary...nitrates seem to be in everything. Even my organic spinach?

[woodnewt]

Thanks for the info. Scary...nitrates seem to be in everything. Even my organic spinach?

Most likely. But I wouldn't worry about it unless you are actually having problems with your leafy greens. When someone says they have a problem with nitrates it's good to bring the greens up, because usually it is something else causing the problems and nitrates get the blame. I eat my leafy greens since I don't have any problems with nitrates and see no reason to avoid them.

[Reba32]

chemically added nitrates used to preserve meats have been known carcinogens since the 1930s. Since the advent of refridgeration however, they are used less and less often, except for in bacon, deli sandwich meats, and sausages.

I avoid all chemically added nitrates and buy only non-processed meats. I live in western North Carolina and there are a few brands available here. Oscar Mayer, Hormel, and Plumrose, plus a few local organic producers. Some brands are regional though, so you may need to look around, or ask at your local grocery store if they don't currently carry nitrate free meats, if they would consider to do so.

Hormel Naturals also makes a gluten free pepperoni

[Dada2hapas]

Nitrate (NO3--) is different than nitrite (NO2-) that is used as a preservative for meats, etc. It's pretty common for folks to get them mixed up.

Nitrite (Open Original Shared Link)

Nitrate (Open Original Shared Link)

-D

[Dada2hapas]

double post

[Dada2hapas]

and again

[Dada2hapas]

Trying to delete inadvertent multiple posts, but can't seem to. Could use help from mods. Thanks!