Processed Meat

Eating nitrate-containing meats alone is associated with higher cancer risk than eating them with vegetables. Cancer studies have repeatedly grouped processed and unprocessed red meat into a single category, producing misleading risk attributions. The evidence linking unprocessed red meat specifically to cancer is very weak. Grass-fed, grass-finished beef with no nitrates or industrial additives has not been evaluated in any substantial study showing harm. Under heat or in the acidic stomach environment, nitrates in processed meat can convert to nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. Processed meats commonly contain nitrates used as preservatives. Processed meats including bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, and sausages contain nitrates and nitrites as preservatives and color-fixers. Ham, pork, and bacon are examples of pink meats discussed as nitrate-containing processed meats.