Here’s the difference between harmful and healthy nitrates in foods, plus their top benefits.
What Exactly Are Nitrates?
Nitrates are converted in the body into either beneficial nitric oxide or harmful nitrosamines.
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Then why are nitrates such a common additive to meat products?
Nitrates are added to meat for a few different purposes, Davis explains.
Plus, they add a salty, umami flavor to these processed meats.
Greg DuPree
Celery
Celery is a naturally nitrate-rich food that transforms into health-boosting nitric oxide in the body.
Spinach
Spinach is also a powerfulsource of healthy nitrates.
Lettuce
Healthy nitrates are also readily found in basically every variety of lettuce.
Caitlin Bensel
Citrulline is a precursor to arginine, which then stimulates nitric oxide production.
Luckily the meat industry has adapted, Davis says.
Many brands, such asPederson’s FarmsandApplegate Farmsoffer nitrate-free meats.
Victor Protasio
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Greg DuPree
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Christopher Testani
Caitlin Bensel
Daniel Agee
