Foods That Release Nitrates

Foods That Release Nitrates

Overview

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry defines nitrates as inorganic ions that naturally occur in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrates are found in drinking water as well as soil and some foods. Nitrates are also used in chemical fertilizers and as food preservatives. High nitrate exposure can have some risks, so it is wise to be aware of food sources in your diet that contain nitrates.

Water

Drinking water accounts for about 21 percent of the nitrates in the standard human diet according to the ATSDR. Private well water is found to have an especially high concentration of nitrates. The ATSDR states that wells typically have nitrate levels that exceed the standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Nitrates used in farming can seep into ground supplies of water.

Vegetables

The ATSDR asserts that vegetables account for 70 percent of the nitrates found in the normal human diet. However, vegetables are not likely to be a source of dangerous amounts of toxicity. The vegetables with the highest amount of naturally occurring nitrates are cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, and root vegetables such as carrots and beets. Root vegetables tend to be lower in nitrate counts than leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.

Meats

About 6 percent of the nitrates in an average human diet come from meat sources as reported by the ATSDR. Sodium nitrates are used in meat and meat products for color enhancement, for flavoring and as a preservative. Meats containing concentrations of nitrates include bacon, ham, lunch meat, corned beef, sausage, smoked fish and hot dogs. Cured meats have high concentrations of nitrates, as sodium nitrate is used in the process of curing.

Risks

Infants under six months of age are at a higher risk for nitrate poisoning. Infants should not be fed foods that have nitrates before three months of age. Additionally, well water should be avoided when mixing infant formula, as it tends to have a higher nitrate count. If you have a private well, you can research how to have your well water tested through sources within your state. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid sources of high concentrations of nitrates.

source : livestronge.com