At 02:46 PM 4/11/98 -0400, you wrote:
>
>i sometimes get stomach cramps after eating ham,  but it's think it may be
>more due to the dextrose/corn syrup used to cure the ham.
>
>JoAnn.


The nitrates or nitrites in ham (as well as most other cured meats) may be
the greatest danger.  According to one nutrition book, nitrates/nitrites
can combine with amines in the digestive tract to form nitrosamines, which
are "highly carcinogenic chemicals."  Nitrosamines have been linked to
cancer in the liver, lungs and pancreas.  Better to eat pure meat without
additives.

Linda