Posts
'via Blog this'
Photo Credit bacon image by Pablo Armelles from Fotolia.com
Sodium nitrate, its health risks and where it's found may not be what you think. It is distinct from, but related to, sodium nitrite, which according to the University of Minnesota Extension is typically used in processing cured meats, and nitrosamines, which have been identified as carcinogens.
CURED MEAT
Sodium nitrate is a naturally occurring salt traditionally used to preserve meat, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. It is converted into sodium nitrite during the preserving process, and is commonly used in commercially cured meats such as bacon, ham, hot dogs, lunch meat, corned beef and smoked fish. Sodium nitrate is still used in traditional preparations such as country ham. Neither sodium nitrate or nitrite have been shown to be carcinogenic; sodium nitrite can form into cancer-causing nitrosamines, but this is prevented by adding ascorbic or erythorbic acid.
LEAFY AND ROOT VEGETABLES
The FDA strictly regulates the amounts of sodium nitrate and nitrite in cured meats, in addition to testing foods such as bacon for nitrosamines. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, vegetables actually account for 90 percent of nitrate intake. Leafy and root vegetables like spinach, beets, radishes, celery and cabbage naturally contain high levels of nitrates that partly convert to nitrites in digestion. Nitrates in vegetables are generally not a concern for adults, but vegetables high in nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia -- a potentially fatal condition in which hemoglobin can't carry oxygen -- in infants, particularly those under six months old.
DRINKING WATER
Drinking water from private wells may contain high enough levels of nitrates to cause methemoglobinemia in infants and children, according to the International Programme on Chemical Safety. The IPCS warns against preparing baby food using water high in nitrates.
HOME CURING PRODUCTS
Sodium nitrate and nitrite are sold for home curing use, to be used in very small quantities. According to the National Center for Home Preservation, they should be used with care to prevent accidental poisoning.
No comments:
Post a Comment