What is sodium nitrite?

sodium nitrite is a chemical compound that is mainly used as an ingredient in meat and other foods. It has properties that maintain color and freshness, especially in the processed meat. In its pure condition it is white or yellowish powder with texture somewhat like salt. It is considered to be salt in a chemical sense, which means that it consists of positively charged metal ions-and negatively charged non-metallic ions-dusitane.

There are at least three purposes to add sodium nitrite to certain food products. The first is to preserve the color. Sodium nitrite retains the red color of the meat and some types of fish to remain red, even if they are cooked during processing.

Another purpose is to inhibit the growth of clostridium botulinum bacteria. This kind of microorganism is highly dangerous when it is present in food products because it produces a neurotoxin that causes sad -ups in people known as botulism. These symptoms include muscle paralysis that can lead to respiratoryfailure and death.

sodium nitritan, because it is used in the process of cure meat, also maintains freshness by slowing the development of bile flavors or odors in the food used for treatment. It also has other applications outside food preparation. In medicine, the right doses of sodium nitrite can function as a bronchodilator, an intestinal relaxant, and even as a anti -clip on some poisons such as cyanide and hydrogen sulphide. It is also used for dilatation of blood vessels and to treat certain lung disorders in infants.

As with any other chemical preservative, sodium nitrite got into considerable control because its safety was questioned. Some laboratory studies have found links between a large amount of sodium nitrite consumption and a higher cancer. It was also associated with migraine headaches in those who have a history of suffering. However, this chemical is also prodHarded by our own bodies and some say that we make more than we consume. This is an important point that needs to be considered because it plays a crucial role in maintaining stomach health, namely control of the growth of bacteria that could otherwise lead to gastroenteritis.

carcinogenic tendencies of sodium nitrite can be controlled or prevented by adding vitamin C to the meat treated. However, some recommend that children and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid unnecessary sodium nitrite intake. Like many controversial chemicals, this has not been convincingly proven as a health risk to people in the amount that people are usually exposed to.