Bacon is a popular breakfast food. It adds an interesting texture to many dishes. The high fat content makes it a filling food. But, bacon also contains carcinogens.
If you’re considering eating bacon on a Paleo diet, be aware of the health risks. You will need to read labels carefully to make sure your bacon is healthy. Fortunately, most varieties of bacon are perfectly safe to eat on a paleo diet.
Many paleo followers prefer to use natural brands of bacon. Natural brands tend to contain no preservatives, nitrates, or other additives. These are added in the curing process.
Processed bacon, on the other hand, is full of chemicals. Sodium nitrates are often added during the curing process. Nitrates and nitrites have been linked to the development of cancer.
Some varieties of bacon are labeled as being nitrate-free. However, there are many ways to get around the effect of nitrates. For example, you can slather bacon with maple syrup.
When choosing processed meats, try to avoid brands that are packed with sodium. Similarly, avoid brands that are packed with sugar or other unnatural additives.
If you can’t afford to buy all-natural bacon, look for bacon that is free of refined sugar. Ideally, you’ll want to buy pork loin, which is relatively lean.
To be truly Paleo, you’ll want to buy bacon that is free of sodium nitrites. Additionally, bacon that is pasture-raised has lower Omega-6 levels than factory-farmed bacon.
As with any other type of processed meat, you should eat bacon in moderation. A typical Paleo target is between four and eight grams of protein per day.