Every year young children die from choking on hot dogs. They're the perfect size to block a three year old child's throat. Many people don’t think of slicing the hot dog up before giving it to a small child. If a hot dog was a toy there would be a warning label.
Hot dogs can be dangerous for adults. Sodium nitrite is a preservative used in hot dogs It is used to slow the development of botulism, give a spicy flavor and turn the meat pink. When ingested, sodium nitrate breaks down to form sodium nitrite in the body, which has the antimicrobial properties to fight botulism. So, it is only when sodium nitrate becomes sodium nitrite that it becomes a functional preservative When ingested, sodium nitrate breaks down to form sodium nitrite in the body, which has the antimicrobial properties to fight botulism. So, it is only when sodium nitrate becomes sodium nitrite that it becomes a functional preservative. Both nitrate and nitrite, however, form nitrosamines, a known carcinogen, when mixed with protein-rich foods like meats. Nitrosamines create cell damage and lead to colorectal cancer.
Nitrites and nitrates are also linked to Bacon, Slim Jims, most processed meat and canned hams. Research showing that eating 3.5 ounces of processed meat every day (one large hot dog a day) increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 36 percent when compared to someone who eats no processed meat. Nitrites and nitrates are also linked to lung cancer, kidney cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus.
There a safe alternatives. Health food stores have nitrate free hot dogs or you can get vegetarian hot dogs. By the time you put on some sauerkraut and mustard you can't tell the difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment