Are known to cause cancer, that's why Dr. Atkins says to avoid bacon, sausage and lunch meats that contain them.

However, unless you have access to a natural food/health food store it can prove very challenging to find nitrate free bacon, etc. And when you do find it, it will be wildly expensive (at least it is here).

Some people soak bacon prior to preparation to remove as much of the bad stuff (sugar, salt and nitrates) as they can.

It's also hard to find bacon cured without sugar, just make sure it is way down on the list of ingredients and always check the brand's declared carb count.

Lisa