Nitrates are chemicals that can be found naturally in many of the foods that we eat. They are added to foods to help them grow. They preserve and protect freshness and improve color and texture. In healthy adults, nitrates can be eaten and processed by the body with no harmful effects. In certain cases, however, nitrates are converted by the body into nitrites. These nitrites, when combined with amines, can form cancer-causing substances called nitrosamines. While it is difficult to avoid all foods containing nitrates, certain foods with added nitrates can be avoided while maintaining a healthy diet.
Cured Foods
Ham, bacon, hot dogs, bologna, salami and pepperoni often contain nitrates to help protect them from bacteria and preserve their pink colors. The addition of nitrates can extend the shelf life of these meats by reducing their moisture contents. This, when combined with the high salt levels, prevents bacterial growth. Aged and brined cheeses, such as cheddar, swiss, feta and parmesan, can also be cured by using nitrates as preservatives.
Vegetables
Certain vegetables are naturally high in nitrates, including carrots, beets, green beans, spinach and collard greens. This is primarily due to the exposure to nitrates from soil, fertilizers and water. According to the European Food Safety Authority, nitrates are often more concentrated in leafy vegetables. While certain vegetables do contain higher amounts of nitrates, the levels are not high enough to outweigh the many other beneficial nutritional components of vegetables. Because of this, diets rich in vegetables are encouraged despite their possible nitrate contents.
Water
Because nitrates occur naturally in soil, occasionally they can migrate into ground water. The water that we drink does contain small amounts of nitrates. However, because nitrates are odorless, colorless and tasteless, we do not notice nitrates and are not able to detect high or low levels of nitrates in water. The Environmental Protection Agency monitors the nitrate levels of all water to be sure that the quantity of nitrate does not exceed safe levels. Avoid consuming water from poorly constructed or very old wells that may not be properly maintained.
Home Canning Products
When canning foods at home, it is important to be aware of the products that you are using and their nitrate contents. Often home canning kits contain preservatives, such as sodium nitrate, to help prevent bacterial growth and food spoilage.
References
- Ohio Department of Health: Nitrates and Nitrites
- Colorado State University; Nitrates in Drinking Water; J.R. Self and R.M. Waskom; October 2008
- Oregon State University College of Health and Human Sciences: Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrate
- University of Guelph: Cheese
- "European Food Safety Authority Journal"; Nitrate in vegetables - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain; April 2008
- Food and Fertilizer Technology Center; Nitrates in Vegetables; March 2002
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