These chemicals are found in everything from bacon and sausage to beets and celery — but how you consume them matters. Here‘s what the research says. Lisa Valente is a registered dietitian, nutrition ...

If you eat processed meats and read nutrition labels, you’ve probably seen lots of bacon, sausage, and cold cuts on store shelves that claim to be free of added nitrates and nitrites. These ...

Nitrates and nitrites are two different types of compound. Nitrates (NO3) consist of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. Nitrites (NO2) consist of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms.

Nitrates are molecules made of nitrogen and oxygen that are found naturally in air, soil, water, and some foods. Some of the foods high in nitrates are green leafy vegetables and root vegetables.

These chemicals are found in everything from bacon and sausage to beets and celery — but how you consume them matters. Here‘s what the research says. Nitrates and nitrites are naturally occurring ...