Atkins "Dumb Question of the Day" What are nitrites??

[Miss Park Avenue]

OK, I sat down and read my book on Atkins AFTER I went to the grocery store and picked up things for myself. Probably a big mistake but I really want to get through the 14 day induction before my WDW trip next month.

Well, I got bacon but the book said it had to be "nitrite free" Guess what the last ingrediant is in my bacon, Sodium Nitrite. What's the deal with the nitrites?

 

[LisaTx]

From www.atkins.com:

Nitrates and nitrites are added to meats (such as bacon and cured ham) and smoked fish to produce an appealing color and inhibit growth of germs and poisons. While these chemical compounds are not themselves carcinogens, they can yield byproducts such as nitrosamines, which have been implicated in higher rates of cancer—particularly colon and gastric cancer—in animals. For this reason, we feel it is prudent to limit your intake of foods containing nitrates or nitrites. You can find nitrate-free products in health food stores and some supermarkets. Fortunately, an increasing number of nitrate-free meat products are available in stores or by mail-order including Coleman Beef (800-442-8666). Your local butcher or health food store may also carry nitrate-free products or stock them for you upon request.

Personally, I don't worry about them too much. I just buy whatever bacon is on sale. I don't eat much though. Maybe once or twice a month. If I were you, I would just eat your bacon and enjoy.

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

Thanks so much...I will eat my bacon and try to look for the nitrite free stuff next time.

 

[DoeWDW]

I just had 4 pieces of bacon as part of my breakfast - YUMMY!! I'm not worried about nitrites but I try not to make them a daily thing. I don't think once or twice a week will hurt though.