Is Sodium Nitrate Bad For You?
Also Known As: Chile saltpeter, Peru saltpeter
Short answer
Although the use of sodium nitrate in cured meats is FDA approved, many studies have linked the overconsumption of nitrate to cancers, increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases, and heart disease. It should only be consumed in extreme moderation, if at all.
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.
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
Sodium nitrate, also known as NaNO3, is a chemical compound similar to salt and used in the preparation of meats as well as fertilizers, pyrotechnics, and pottery enamel. The largest deposits of sodium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, are located in Chile and Peru. It is a salt that is added to cured meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, beef jerky and deli meats, in order to preserve and add attractive coloring to the meats. The use of sodium nitrate in cured meats helps prevent the growth of disease-carrying bacteria, such as botulism and listeria. Sodium nitrate is even used in mouthwashes, as sodium nitrate can help relieve dental sensitivity. Sodium nitrate is also used in fumigation to kill rodents.
In the body, as well as in meats, sodium nitrate is converted into sodium nitrite, which has shown to have medical properties, such as increased oxygen circulation and can be helpful during heart attacks and strokes. Some researchers have linked sodium nitrite to the preservation of tissue when low oxygen levels are present in body tissue.
Many believe, however, that the addition of this preservative to cured meats can be harmful to overall health, as it has been linked to increased risks of Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, and Parkinson’s disease. Like sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate can transform into nitrosamine in the body if it has been exposed to high heat or in a highly acidic environment. Nitrosamine is a carcinogenic compound. Many scientists have found that the intake of sodium nitrate can produce these effects in animals and have directly linked nitrosamine to cancer in rats. Because of this high risk of cancer-causing nitrosamine, the FDA permits only 2.75 ounces of nitrate per 100 pounds of meat. In a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, it was found that sodium nitrate converted into nitrosamines can lead to gastric cancer. Sodium nitrate has also been found to negatively affect oxygen circulation in the blood and can lead to an oxygen circulation condition called methemoglobinemia.
Possible long-term side effects
- alzheimer’s disease
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parkinson’s disease
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cancer
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heart disease
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methemoglobinemia
Commonly found in
Ingredients to be aware of
- nitrosamines (a carcinogen formed under certain bodily conditions)
Benefits
- preserves color
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prevent fats from going rancid
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keeps bacteria from growing
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Written by Viviana Del Manzano
Published on: 06-16-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Viviana Del Manzano
Published on: 06-16-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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