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Is sodium nitrate in food bad for you?

Is sodium nitrate in food bad for you?

Sodium nitrate, a preservative that’s used in some processed meats, such as bacon, jerky and luncheon meats, could increase your heart disease risk. It’s thought that sodium nitrate may damage your blood vessels, making your arteries more likely to harden and narrow, leading to heart disease.

What is the difference between sodium phosphate and sodium nitrate?

Sodium nitrate is used to cure the meat and helps to prevent the growth of bacteria. It is similar to the process that has been used since before refrigeration. Phosphate helps to maintain the moisture in the meat.

Is sodium phosphate safe in food?

Food-grade sodium phosphate is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. It is often used as an additive in processed food manufacturing. It’s also an ingredient in many household products and medications.

What foods are high in sodium nitrates?

Vegetables with high levels of sodium nitrate include spinach, radishes, lettuce, celery, carrots, cabbage, and beets. According to a 2009 study, approximately 80 percent of dietary nitrates in a person’s diet are obtained from vegetable consumption.

What is sodium nitrate used for in food?

Sodium nitrate (and its cousin additive sodium nitrite) is a common preservative used in cured meat products including bacon, deli meat, and jerky. It has been linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes. This additive has been cut out from some foods due to these concerns.

Is sodium nitrate a carcinogen?

It is concluded that sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate did not exert a carcinogenic effect that could be detected under the conditions of this study in which the animals showed a high incidence of spontaneous tumours.

Why is sodium phosphate bad for you?

Eating too many foods containing sodium phosphate additives can raise phosphate levels in the body to an unhealthy level. Studies have linked high levels of phosphate with conditions like heart disease, decreased bone density, premature aging, kidney issues and even early death ( 7 ).

What foods contain sodium?

High-Sodium Foods

  • Smoked, cured, salted or canned meat, fish or poultry including bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausage, sardines, caviar and anchovies.
  • Frozen breaded meats and dinners, such as burritos and pizza.
  • Canned entrees, such as ravioli, spam and chili.
  • Salted nuts.
  • Beans canned with salt added.

Where does sodium erythorbate come from in food?

Sodium erythorbate (C6H7NaO6) is a food additive used predominantly in meats, poultry, and soft drinks. Chemically, it is the sodium salt of erythorbic acid. Sodium erythorbate is produced from sugars derived from different sources, such as beets, sugar cane, and corn.

Are there any side effects to taking sodium erythorbate?

In susceptible people, regular consumption of sodium erythorbate-containing food may cause a buildup of acidic substances that increase the risk of kidney stones, according to the “Handbook of Food Additives” by Michael Ash. It may also trigger symptoms in people with gout, a condition in which uric acid builds up in the joints.

Which is better sodium erythorbate or ascorbic acid?

Sodium erythorbate has antioxidant properties that are more potent than ascorbic acid. It inhibits the oxidation of food, which helps keep the food fresh. In food processing, sodium erythorbate is used to keep a wide variety of foods fresh — from meats to canned fruits and vegetables, as well as wines, jams and soft drinks.

Why is sodium erythorbate used in hot dogs?

Chemically, it is the sodium salt of erythorbic acid. When used in processed meat such as hot dogs and beef sticks, it increases the rate at which nitrite reduces to nitric oxide, thus facilitating a faster cure and retaining the pink coloring.