You may have heard that nitrates and some foods are good for you, while others might be harmful.
Here we dive into the science to explain what nitrates are and how they can impact your health.
But we’ll straighten it all out for you.
Photo: Getty Images / Jay B Sauceda
What Are Nitrates?
Most come from plants, such as leafy greens, beets and celery.
This, in turn, can boost both heart health and athletic performance.
Potential Drawback of Nitrates
So why are they a good thing in beets but not bacon?
In fact, manufacturers are starting to add vitamin C to cured meats for just this reason.
High heat can also contribute to nitrosamine formation, so Jampolis recommends cooking processed meats at lower temperatures.
That said, the best bet is to simply reduce the amount of processed meats you eat.
This goes for foods labeled “natural” or “nitrate-free” too.
So that “natural” hot dog may not be any healthier for you.
The Bottom Line
Nitrates from plants and those added to meat behave very differently in the body.
Increasing your consumption of nitrate-rich veggies may reduce blood pressure and improve athletic performance.
