Have you ever wondered why eating vegetables is linked to cancer prevention?
Nitrates and Nitrites are chemically inactive and are unlikely to cause harm by themselves. They are naturally occurring in the human body and in some foods such as lettuce, spinach, kale and broccoli.
When we eat vegetables that contain nitrates, the bacteria in our saliva converts it into nitrite which is then used to create nitric oxide.This is a good compound because it is vital for many bodily functions including the correct functioning of neurons, increasing cardiovascular health, nutrient flow in our body and regulating blood pressure. There are many scientific studies which link nitric oxide to overall health.
Why are many people fearful of Nitrates and Nitrites being added to food?
Nitrates and Nitrites can become hazardous when they react with other compounds to form nitrosamines which can cause toxicity in our body and have been associated with causing cancer. (Interestingly enough, tobacco smoke also contains forms of nitrosamines.)
Processed meats that contain these compounds lack the vitamins and nutrients needed in the biochemical process of converting nitrates into nitric oxide (the good compound). So when we eat processed foods like deli meat, hot dogs and smoked salmon while not keeping a balanced diet, nitrates and nitrites can pose a serious health risk to us.
So if nitrates can be harmful, why are food manufacturers allowed to add them to food?!
Nitrites are added to food products to extend their shelf life and to keep them from spoiling before they reach consumers. Of course, spoiled food poses a large threat to people! For example, nitrites are added (in FDA approved amounts) to Smoked Salmon to improve flavor but more importantly, to prevent the growth of a dangerous bacteria, Clostridium Botulinum. This bacteria can produce the most poisonous naturally occurring substance known to man—a neurotoxin that if consumed, even in microscopic amounts, can lead to serious illness (botulism) or even death.
When we put this into perspective, food processing (including the addition of preservatives) is an important science that enables food preservation and ultimately helps fight against diseases and an even larger global threat: famine. Famine, despite all the technology and advancements in food science, is causing over 50 million people to live on the edge of starvation in 45 countries.
According to a recent UN report, 931 million tons of food goes to waste each year. Recent reports from the World Health Organization and the United Nations estimate that one person dies of starvation every four seconds.
Food Manufacturers have a big responsibility of abiding by FDA regulations to ensure that they are selling safe products. The FDA provides clear guidelines regarding food additives and their approved amounts to ensure the safety of consumers.
If you need further guidance on this subject, please contact Roybal Food Consulting and schedule an appointment. We can help you ensure that your products and food labels are compliant with all federal regulations.
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