In a recent clinical study conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)it was found that processed meat is too dangerous for human consumption. There are various forms in which processed meat is sold, namely, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals.

The study found that these products are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite which is used to fix the color of the meat so that it looks red, and appears like fresh meat. Sodium Nitrite, it was found, results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body, which leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk for those who eat them.

There are various other studies also conducted with similar results. But, it was also noted that people who ate fresh meat were at no risk of developing cancer. The risk of cancer was present only in people who consumed more of processed meat containing sodium nitrite.

Another point worth noting is that Sodium nitrite appears predominantly only in red meat products, that is, you won't find it in chicken or fish products.

Here's a list of food items to check carefully for sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG), another dangerous additive:

*Beef jerky
*Bacon
*Sausage
*Hot dogs
*Sandwich meat
*Frozen pizza with meat
*Canned soups with meat
*Frozen meals with meat
*Ravioli and meat pasta foods
*Kid's meals containing red meat
*Sandwich meat used at popular restaurants
*Nearly all red meats sold at public schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and theme parks

Now that you know the danger of eating processed red meat, you should try to stop eating them altogether. Instead, start eating fresh food in every meal. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C that is very helpful in preventing the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, that will protect you from the disastrous effects of sodium nitrite.