WOD for 130122 – Should you worry about BACON????

WOD for 130122:

15 minutes to establish a 1RM Power Snatch and 4×1 @-10% if time permits.
Then…
3 rounds for time of:
20 Wall Balls 20/14#
30 Abmat Sit-Ups
30 Push-Ups

And lo, there was bacon, and all was right. but should we be worried about nitrates and nitrites in bacon and other cured pork products? “Nitrate – free” is certainly something you see on the more expensive bacons, hams, etc.

Here’s Steven Colbert’s take on it.

Here’s a somewhat more learned response from Dr. Chris Kresser.

Here’s some highlights from Dr. Kresser:

“In fact, the study that originally connected nitrates with cancer risk and caused the scare in the first place has since been discredited after being subjected to a peer review. There have been major reviews of the scientific literature that found no link between nitrates or nitrites and human cancers, or even evidence to suggest that they may be carcinogenic. Further, recent research suggests that nitrates and nitrites may not only be harmless, they may be beneficial, especially for immunity and heart health.”

“It may surprise you to learn that the vast majority of nitrate/nitrite exposure comes not from food, but from endogenous sources within the body.”

“It may shock you to learn that one serving of arugula, two servings of butter lettuce, and four servings of celery or beets all have more nitrite than 467 hot dogs. And your own saliva has more nitrites than all of them!”

The rest of the article is well worth the read and really breaks down the science of why this marketing ploy may be just a bunch of BS. In fact, cured pork products may actually be safer.

Have read and see if he can change your mind, too.