Nitrates: The Truth About Them + Top 9 Foods

Medically reviewed by Temple Stewart, RD, LDN

Temple Stewart is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer in St. Petersburg, FL. She sees clients all over the world through virtual nutrition services. Her passion is to teach her clients how to experience a healthier life by using effective nutrition education and counseling.

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Written by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health Experience: 8 years

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Last Updated on Mar 5, 2019

Nitrates The Truth About Them + Top 9 Foods

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Nitrates are compounds commonly found in veggie-rich diets, including leafy greens. They are also added to cured meats like bacon and hot dogs as color preservatives to retard the growth of microorganisms. Though nitrates may have some health benefits, there is another side to them that is not quite as pleasing.

In This Article

What Are Nitrates?

To understand nitrates, we must also know about nitrites. Let’s delve into a bit of chemistry. Nitrate contains 1 nitrogen atom bonded to 3 oxygen atoms, whereas, nitrite contains 1 nitrogen atom bonded to 2 oxygen atoms.

Nitrates, by themselves, are inert. It is only when they come in contact with the bacteria in the mouth and other bodily enzymes do they get converted into nitrites.

Nitrites, in turn, can get converted into nitric oxide or nitrosamines. It is at this stage we either have good news or bad news. Nitric oxide has been found to reduce arterial stiffness and inflammation – thereby cutting the risk of heart disease (1).

Nitrosamines, on the other hand, are found to be potent lung carcinogens. They are found in cigarette smoke too. Animal studies have shown that nitrosamines are closely related to gastrointestinal cancer (2).

It is this rather thin line between the conversion of nitrites to nitric oxide and nitrosamines that defines how beneficial nitrates can be. But there is a way to counter this.

Studies show that nitrites get converted into nitrosamines only when exposed to high heat (3). This is why most processed meats, including bacon and hot dogs, contain the most nitrosamines (as they are exposed to high heat) (4).

This is one reason vegetables and fruits, though high in nitrates, are never as harmful as they are not exposed to such high temperatures. But not all foods contain nitrates. We will see what actually do.

Which Foods Are High In Nitrates?

1. Beetroot

Beetroots are rich in dietary nitrates that our body converts to nitrites and then nitric oxide. Studies show that intake of beetroot juice increases nitric oxide content in both men and women, regardless of body weight (5).
In another study, intake of beetroot juice increased nitric oxide levels by 21.3% in a matter of 45 minutes (6).
This is why beetroots have turned out to be wonder foods that boost athletic performance (7). They also display great abilities to lower blood pressure levels (8).

2. Spinach

Spinach is another vegetable with a high nitrate content. Research shows that this can be linked to reduced arterial stiffness and blood pressure levels (9). Regular intake of spinach can contribute to beneficial hemodynamic effects.

Among the foods included in the study, spinach has been identified as one of the richest sources of dietary nitrates for humans (10). The study states that regular intake of spinach is an effective way to maintain cardiovascular health.

3. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is rich in nitrates. More importantly, it is also replete with phenolic acids and flavonoids. The veggie also doesn’t contain allergens (11).

Swiss chard is inexpensive when compared to other veggies rich in nitrates. This is another reason for you to include it in your diet.

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is replete with nitrates that, as we know, are converted into nitric oxide in the body (12). Kale, bok choy, and arugula also have similarly high nitrate levels that contribute to human health.

Studies also show that regular intake of nitrate-rich foods, especially green leafy veggies, can help maintain adequate levels of nitric oxide in the blood and tissues (13).

A vast array of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, are linked to nitric oxide insufficiency (14). Enhancing nitric oxide levels in our system by consuming foods rich in nitrates can be a good start to great health.

6. Rhubarb

Reports suggest that rhubarb juice (a popular way rhubarb is consumed) contains high levels of nitrates – as much as 850 mg for every liter (15).

A particular species of rhubarb is also found to possess excellent antioxidant properties. These can help combat oxidative stress in the body and the resultant health complications (16).

7. Carrots

Carrots contain over 800 mg of nitrates for every kilogram. Eating carrots every day can be a good way to increase your nitrate intake. In case you are going for carrot juice, remember this – consume only freshly prepared carrot juice. This is because stored carrot juice was found to lower the levels of nitrate (17).

8. Watermelon

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In a study, watermelon was found to be one of the major contributors to nitrate intake (18).

Watermelon also contains an amino acid called citrulline, which is ultimately converted to nitric oxide in the body. In another study, eight men drinking 300 ml of watermelon juice every day for two weeks saw a significant increase in their nitric oxide bioavailability (19).

Watermelon supplementation was also found to enhance exercise performance and lower blood pressure levels (20).

9. Pomegranate

Pomegranate contains high levels of nitrates and other important antioxidants. Animal studies have shown that pomegranate juice and extract can boost the concentration of nitrates in the blood (21).

The polyphenols in pomegranate were also found to boost blood nitric oxide levels. This can enhance exercise performance (22).

These foods contain high levels of nitrates. They also are replete with other beneficial nutrients – so consuming them is a wise option any given day.

Before we move on to the next section, we also would like to mention garlic. Though it doesn’t contain high concentrations of nitrates, it can help boost the nitric oxide in the system. The veggie activates nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme that aids the synthesis of nitric oxide (23).

In a study, aged garlic extract was found to boost nitric oxide levels by 40% within just an hour of intake (24). This ability of garlic to boost nitric oxide levels can have a positive impact on an individual’s blood pressure levels (25).

That’s a lot about nitrates (and nitric oxide), isn’t it? We saw a bit about how nitrates can benefit you. But there is more research to it.

How Are Nitrates Beneficial To You?

Nitrates Promote Heart Health

Nitrates are considered a safe and effective choice to prevent ischemic syndromes related to coronary heart disease. Nitrates relax the coronary arteries and prevent their constriction (26).

Nitrates also have a role in congestive heart failure therapy (27). In fact, most cases of cardiovascular disease found a decrease in endothelial nitric oxide levels (28).

Nitrates Enhance Physical Performance

Dietary nitrates improve muscle efficiency and enhance endurance performance. They also enhance the contractile function of the skeletal muscles (29).

A high-nitrate diet is also considered feasible for improved exercise performance (30). This can be attributed to the ability of nitrates to increase the efficiency of mitochondria, which are the energy currency of the body’s cells (31).

These are the major ways nitrates can benefit you. Yes, nitrates are beneficial compounds found naturally in green leafy vegetables and some fruits.
But does this mean that anyone can consume them?

What Are The Side Effects Of Nitrates?

We have no issue with naturally occurring nitrates. It is the nitrates that turn into nitrosamines we have a problem with. These primarily include processed meats like bacon and sausages, etc.

Studies show that prolonged exposure to nitrosamines can increase the risk of death by cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and even the esophagus (32).

Nitrosamines are harmful for anyone – and more so for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

But there is something we can do.

How To Prevent Nitrates From Turning Into Nitrosamines

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As discussed earlier, nitrates turn into nitrosamines only when exposed to extremely high temperatures.

- The first step you can take is to reduce your intake of processed meats – as most of them contain added nitrates as preservatives (to prevent them from getting spoiled). Bacon is one meat food that is most often preserved using nitrates. Hence, it is better to go for frozen bacon.
- Go local. Try to pick your meat from the local farmer’s market. Bacon from pasture-raised pigs is far healthier than what you get from the conventional store.
- You can also change the way you cook bacon. Fry it at low heat for a longer time. This will produce far fewer nitrosamines. Burnt is worst. Microwaving bacon works best – it is the best way to reduce nitrosamine formation (33).
- Check the labels carefully. Avoid products that list potassium or sodium nitrates or nitrites. In addition to meat, even canned foods like bacon and packaged seafood may contain these preservatives (34).
- Follow a diet rich in vitamin C. This nutrient is known to reduce the formation of nitrosamines (35).

Conclusion

You can enjoy your favorite bacon without worrying about its nitrate content – provided you take the basic precautions. Don’t forget the leafy greens too – they are powerful sources of antioxidants and other nutrients!
Anything about nitrates you think we have missed? Why don’t you let us know by leaving a comment in the box below? We would love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safe levels of nitrates in drinking water?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the safe levels of nitrates in drinking water are 10 mg for every liter (36).

What does it mean when your urine contains nitrites?

The presence of nitrites in urine can mean a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI occurs when harmful bacteria find their way into the urinary tract and rapidly reproduce. Some types of these bacteria have enzymes that convert nitrates into nitrites.
The treatment for this condition usually involves a course of antibiotics. Drinking plenty of water also helps – it flushes out the bacteria causing the infection.