Ok. So I have been reading about nitrates in food being bad and cancer causing. Well, as I began to look at the food I had in the fridge, it began aware to me that lots of foods have this. Even some of the healthy foods that I have chosen to eat ever since I began this new "journey" to fitness. So now I have to look for another ingredients besides sat. fat and hydro. and other things. Looking at the deli meat I had in the fridge (which I see as my "sweets" because usually its cooked meals) I began to wonder. What now? So can someone finally spread some light on this subject should I avoid these too? Then what is left. Whats the "No List"? Whatever it is it seems I shouldn't be eating anything anymore. It's all gonna get me somehow...:bang:

Nitrates are not naturally harmful. They are found in many things without being added. However, some foods commonly have additional nitrates added for various purposes (deli meats and other cured meats being a common example).

The problem with nitrates is that in certain circumstances, such as exposure to high temperatures through cooking, a chemical change can occur that transforms the nitrate into some other compound whose name I cannot remember which is a carcinogen.

As such, it is fairly commonly advocated to consume nitrates in moderation, and to generally avoid eating foods that have additional unnecessary nitrates added. Products will often tout this on the label (something like "No Added Nitrates"). Natural markets carry many items like this, but they can be found in conventional stores as well.

Deli meats are actually a good thing to consume in moderation anyways, as they are usually fairly high in added sugar and/or salt, neither of which is very optimal.