The addition of sodium nitrate to some types of meat could have health consequences. Sodium nitrate is used to preserve meat, but some research indicates it could cause damage to your blood vessels, which might lead to heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. It also increases your risk of developing diabetes because it alters how your body uses sugar. Choosing meats that are fresh gives you the health benefits without consumption of sodium nitrate. MayoClinic.com recommends limiting meat intake to 6 oz. per day, which is about the size of two decks of cards.
Beef
Fresh beef found in the meat section of your supermarket is generally a good bet if you are trying to avoid eating sodium nitrate. Look for lean options, such as sirloin, which are lower in saturated fat, but still contain beneficial nutrients. Avoid hot dogs, beef jerky and packaged roast beef luncheon meat, which are often treated with sodium nitrate. In addition, watch out for packaged ground beef patties because they might have been treated with it as well. If you purchase beef at a butcher, ask him about his preservation techniques to be sure the products you are buying are safe.
Chicken
Fresh chicken is free of sodium nitrates and is a good addition to a healthy meal plan. Chicken is low in saturated fat, making it a better choice than red meat. Read the labels on frozen chicken parts because they might contain sodium nitrate, while freshly cut chicken is typically safe. Avoid hot dogs, lunch meat and sausages made with chicken because some contain sodium nitrate.
Pork
Many cuts of pork are lean and low in fat and calories. Fresh pork at the meat counter in your grocery store is likely free of sodium nitrate, but if you aren't sure, ask the butcher on duty. However, avoid bacon, jerky, hot dogs, pepperoni, salami and sausages, many of which are made with pork and preserved with sodium nitrates.
Turkey
Similar in nutrient content to chicken, adding turkey to your diet has health benefits. Whole turkeys, ground turkey or turkey breast are typically free of sodium nitrates when cut fresh at the butcher's shop or grocery store. However, read the labels on pre-formed and frozen ground turkey patties, which might contain it. Avoid turkey lunch meat, turkey bacon and turkey hot dogs as well, unless the label declares them free of sodium nitrate.
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