What You Need to Know About NItrates and Nitrites

Nitrates and nitrites can come from natural sources or they can by synthetic. The natural sources are derived from nitrogen which is what makes up 78% of earth's atmosphere. Oxygen makes up about 20% of the atmosphere. Foods containing protein require nitrogen and nitrogen is also part of your DNA. But the nitrogen in the atmosphere isn't bioavailable. It takes bacteria in the ground to convert it into natural nitrates and nitrates that your body can utilize. Here is what you need to know about nitrates and nitrites.

Plant Based Nitrates and Nitrites

Green leafy plants and root vegetables are full of nitrates. Plants provide about 80% of the nitrates in your diet. When you chew your food well, the nitrates are converted to nitrites that your gut converts to nitrogen oxide (NO). The nitrogen oxide can help relax your arteries and increase blood flow to your muscles and other tissues. In addition to providing nitrogen oxide, plants contain powerful antioxidants that help protect your body and can reduce inflammation.

Synthetic Nitrates and Nitrites

Synthetic nitrates and nitrites are commonly used to cure meat and smoked fish. They are often combined with other elements like sodium. That is what you most commonly see on food labels - sodium nitrate. Studies have shown that synthetic nitrates and nitrites are harmful to your body becuase they react with other molecules. Exposure to high heat produces even more dangerous chemicals that can harm your body. This is one reason why preserved bacon is particularly worrisome.

Uncured Meats

The general public has become more aware of the health concerns around consuming cured meats. So now it is common to see foods that are labeled "nitrate free" or "uncured". The reality is that the meats still need to be preserved, so nitrates from plants are used. The problem is that there is chemical reaction between the plant based nitrates and the meat that produces chemicals that are harmful to your body.

Nitrates in Drinking and Ground Water

The use of fossil fuels produces nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere. When it rains, these compounds are transfered from the air to the earth. This is where the term "acid rain" comes from. Fertilizers also contain synthetic nitrogen and is commonly used to grow large crops that are consumed by humans and fed to farm animals.

What Can You Do?

If you live in a big city or near a conventionally farmed area, you may want to consider filtering your water. Avoiding conventional and processed meats and cheeses will also reduce your exposure to the harmful chemicals. And of course, you can consume lots of leafy greens and root vegetables so that your body can produce the nitrogen it needs. Some of the best sources are beet root, kale, spinach, arugala, chard, celery, cabbage, radishes, leeks and turnips.

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