What Are Nitrites And Nitrates?

What are Nitrites and Nitrates? A nitrite consists of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. Manufacturers are known to add nitrites to meat to help preserve them. Food producers add nitrates and nitrites to processed meat like bacon, ham, sausages, etc. What this does is it helps to prevent harmful bacteria and improve meat’s appearance by giving it a pink or brown color.

What are Nitrites and Nitrates? iStock-photo credit: Ludmila Lozovaya

Nitrates and nitrites occur naturally in vegetables and studies show that 80% of the dietary nitrates come from vegetables. Most people don’t know that the body produces nitrates which are secreted in the saliva. Nitrates also occur naturally in drinking water.

Dietary nitrates and nitrites help to dilate blood vessels and help lower blood pressure levels. Beetroot juice is also high in nitrates and studies show that it can help reduce blood pressure levels. Nitrates convert to nitric oxide in the body which causes blood vessels to dilate, and the result is it will lower blood pressure levels.

Research studies show that nitrates can enhance workout physical performance specifically during high intensity endurance activities. A couple of studies showed that beetroot improved sprinting performance by 4% and it reduced the oxygen cost of exercise by 5.4%.

Some of the risks of nitrates and nitrites are the following:

• If you cook nitrates and nitrites at high heat, then nitrosamines can form. And studies show that nitrosamines can increase the risk of cancer.
• Nitrosamines are some of the main carcinogens in tobacco smoke.
• The best way to reduce your nitrosamine exposure is to limit the consumption of processed meats.

There are some grocery outlets that sell nitrate free high-quality bacon.

The Bottom Line is nitrites and nitrates naturally occur in vegetables and drinking water. Manufacturers are known to add this to processed meats to help preserve them.

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