A. Fang Fang Zhang, PhD, an associate professor at the Friedman School who studies cancer epidemiology, says, “Processed meat is any meat that has been salted, cured, fermented, smoked, or gone through other processes to keep it fresh or make it taste better.” The World Health Organization has called processed meat a carcinogen, which means it causes cancer.
“Processed meats can be either red or white. Fried chicken, hot dogs, sausages, ham, bacon, and jerky are all examples of processed red meats.” Even sliced turkey that has been “oven roasted” is likely to have ingredients like salt, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, or potassium chloride on the label. These are used to salt meats—meaning the turkey is processed. There’s no way for researchers to know if processed chicken is safer than processed beef, so it makes sense to limit or avoid both.
“Experts believe that the nitrates used to cure meat may be part of the link between processed meats and cancer.” (Nitrates can be converted in the body to nitrites, which in turn can become potentially cancer-causing nitrosamines. ) But the ‘no nitrates added’ label is misleading. Because people were worried about nitrates, many companies switched from using artificial sodium nitrite to celery powder, celery juice, or other natural sources. Sad to say, meats cured with these natural alternatives have the same amount of nitrate and nitrite as meats that are cured the old-fashioned way, and they probably pose the same health risks. ”.
Does Turkey Contain Nitrates? Get the Facts on This Common Additive
Turkey has long been promoted as a healthier alternative to red meat, with white meat turkey hailed as a lean source of protein. But in recent years, concerns have been raised about the potential health impacts of nitrates commonly found in processed turkey products. This has left many wondering – does turkey contain nitrates? Let’s take a closer look at what the science says.
What are Nitrates?
Nitrates (NO3-) are chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen. They occur naturally in vegetables, fruits, grains, and even our own saliva. Nitrates can also be artificially added as preservatives, color enhancers, and flavoring agents in processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, and smoked turkey products.
The Potential Health Effects of Nitrates
While nitrates from vegetable sources are generally considered safe and potentially even beneficial, there are some concerns around nitrates added to meats. Here are some of the potential issues:
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When exposed to high heat, added nitrates can combine with amines to form nitrosamines, compounds that have been associated with an increased cancer risk.
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High nitrate intake may contribute to methemoglobinemia, a condition that limits oxygen transport in the blood. This is particularly a concern in infants.
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Some studies have linked processed meats preserved with nitrates to a higher risk of chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer.
However, the research on nitrate risks is still emerging. Authorities like the FDA regulate allowable nitrate levels in meats and it’s unclear if occasional intake poses a significant threat.
Do Turkeys Naturally Contain Nitrates?
Like other animals, turkeys do contain low background levels of nitrates naturally. However, the nitrates of most concern in today’s turkey meat come from artificial addition rather than natural occurrence.
Which Turkey Products Typically Contain Added Nitrates?
Not all turkey products are created equal when it comes to nitrate content. Here are some of the most common sources of added nitrates:
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Deli-style turkey and turkey bacon – nitrates give these products their pink color and prevent spoilage.
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Smoked turkey products like turkey jerky or smoked turkey sausage.
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Cured turkey like turkey ham.
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Frozen processed turkey such as turkey burgers, turkey hot dogs, and nuggets.
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Pre-packaged lunchmeats with turkey.
On the other hand, fresh raw turkey and whole turkey generally do not contain added nitrates. Frozen plain turkey also typically lacks added nitrates.
Look for “No Nitrates Added” Labels
When shopping for turkey, look for the labels “no nitrates added” or “uncured”. This indicates there are no artificial nitrate compounds present. Be aware that products labeled “nitrate-free” may still contain nitrates from natural sources like celery powder.
Some studies suggest vegetarian nitrates may be less harmful than artificial nitrates when exposed to heat. But more research is needed on whether the source of nitrates significantly impacts health risks.
How Much Nitrate is Too Much?
Expert opinions vary on acceptable nitrate limits. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 0.07 mg of nitrate per 1 lb (0.5 mg per kg) of a person’s body weight per day.
The USDA enforces maximum nitrate levels of 200 ppm in cured turkey products. But unprocessed meats aren’t subject to these standards.
Some groups like the American Cancer Society recommend limiting intake of all processed meats, regardless of nitrate content.
Moderating all nitrates, whether from processed meats or other sources like vegetables and drinking water, is likely the safest approach. Consuming turkey as part of an overall healthy diet can help minimize any potential risks.
Minimizing Nitrates in Your Diet
Here are some tips for keeping nitrates in check when buying and preparing turkey:
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Choose fresh, frozen, or “no nitrates added” turkey whenever possible.
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Limit intake of smoked, cured, and processed turkey products.
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Read ingredient lists carefully and avoid products listing nitrates or nitrites.
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Opt for homemade turkey burgers and meatballs over pre-packaged versions.
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Marinate turkey in lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt which may help inhibit nitrosamine formation.
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Use antioxidant-rich spices like rosemary, ginger, and turmeric when cooking turkey.
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Cook turkey thoroughly to reduce bacterial contamination risk but avoid charring at very high temps.
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Consume plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like berries, kale, and tomatoes.
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Drink water from nitrate-free sources when available.
The Bottom Line
Many common turkey products do contain concerning levels of artificially added nitrates used for preservation and color. However, there are options allowing you to enjoy turkey while limiting your nitrate exposure. Choosing fresh, unprocessed cuts or looking for “no nitrates added” labels can help you reap the nutritional benefits of turkey without the potentially harmful additives. Moderating intake of all processed meats, thoroughly cooking turkey, and pairing it with antioxidant-rich sides are other simple ways to hedge your health bets.
Are Deli Meat Labels Misleading You? Here Are the Facts | Oz Health
FAQ
Does turkey have nitrates in it?
Does boar’s head turkey have nitrates in it?
Are there nitrates in deli meat?
Bacon. A 100-gram serving of bacon has 5.5 milligrams of nitrates. Deli meat. Deli meat is another major source of harmful nitrates. Cured deli meats on average have less than half a milligram of nitrates per 100 grams of meat.
Are boar’s head turkey slices nitrate free?
Not only that, but these turkey slices avoid the use of sodium phosphates, nitrates, and nitrites and use only celery powder, potato starch, salt, and sugar as preservatives. Boar’s Head offers a variety of nitrite-and-nitrate-free products and even offers a handful of healthy deli meats that are lower in sodium, too.
What foods contain nitrates?
Nitrates are molecules naturally found in air, soil, water, and some foods. These foods they are naturally found in are green vegetables (such as lettuce, spinach, and broccoli) as well as root vegetables (such as carrots and beetroot). But nitrates are also added to some foods, especially cured meats, such as deli meat and bacon.
Are there nitrates in processed meat?
Nitrates are also found naturally in a number of foods, including celery, beets, arugula, and other vegetables. “It is common nowadays to find the statement ‘no added nitrates’ on processed meat products,” says Mason. “In most instances, these products are manufactured using celery juice or other natural sources of nitrates.
How do you reduce nitrates in food?
Eliminate or reduce intake of processed meats, including bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs, and jerky, even if they say, no added nitrates. -Reduce sodium (in processed foods and added in cooking or at the table) to less than 2,300 milligrams (the equivalent of about one teaspoon) a day. -Limit deli meats and look for lower-sodium versions.
Should meat be labeled ‘uncured’ or ‘nitrate-free’?
But the USDA decided that because the source of the compounds differed, meats made with them must be labeled “uncured” and “no nitrates or nitrites added,” Sebranek says, “even though everyone in the meat industry realizes it’s not technically correct.”