Nitrate vs. Nitrite: Harmful Preservatives in our Foods

What is a Nitrite?

Nitrite is also known as sodium nitrite. It is a salt of nitrous acid. It is an element used in the process of curing meats. The functions of the nitrites are to prevent bacterial growth in the meat. Not only does it preserve the meat as far as usability but it also keeps the color in its original tint instead of allowing it to turn brown or otherwise undesirable.

What is a Nitrate?

Nitrates are a salt of nitric acid. They are used in medications. In medications nitrates work by dilating the blood vessels and relaxing veins. Toxic levels of nitrates can damage human body. It is also very deadly for marine life in large quantities. The actual amounts a person can take or that can be present in aquariums should be explored before any accidental poisoning occurs.

Nitrite vs. Nitrate: The Difference

Online you can find a lot of people mistake these terms for each other. In fact, even some health care professionals use these terms interchangeably. Doctors and scientists say this is wrong. They are two different elements and they should never be confused with each other. To better get an idea about these two very different terms and learn more about their roles let’s explore each individually.

Nitrates are a natural elements found in fresh foods such as spinach, lettuce and beetroot. This is one of the reasons that diet is especially important. When a doctor tells a patient that they have heart problems or issues with tight or restricted blood vessels they will tell them to eat more of the aforementioned foods. Then they will see after another check up if the problem has been fixed. If so, there is no need for medication. If not a pill form of nitrates will be prescribed.

Nitrites promote certain cancers such as: Colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, leukemia in children, brain tumors and are even linked to COPD. This is according to research studies. Some of the foods that contain these preservatives are: lunch meat, bacon, cured ham, hot dogs, pepperoni, some sausages, processed or canned meats or meat products, even those used in canned soup. It is important to rarely consume nitrites, if at all.

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