Coming to a “Head”: The Hidden Dangers of Sodium Nitrates, the Double-Edged Sword

Sodium nitrates and nitrites are extensively used in the food industry as antioxidants in meats such as bacon, ham, luncheon meats, deli meat, jerky, and hotdogs. They serve an important function in maintaining the quality and safety of meat products by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria …

The Hidden Dangers of Xylitol: What You Need to Know

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. It can relieve constipation, diabetes, and obesity but may cause digestive complications. In recent years, xylitol has gained popularity as a sugar substitute, often found in sugar-free products like gum, candy, baked goods, and …