Nitrites are chemical compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen.
Chemically, they are a salt or an ester of nitrous acid.
Nitrites differ fromnitratesin that nitrates carry more oxygen than nitrites.
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Nitrates themselves are more stable than nitrites.
It will also discuss the sources of these chemicals and how to reduce exposure.
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A Bit of Chemistry
Both nitrites and nitrates contain nitrogen and oxygen.
Their difference comes in the number of oxygen atoms they carry.
Many experts agree that nitrates are relatively harmless until broken down into nitrites.
To know whether they have nitrites or nitrates in them, look at the ingredients list.
This will help you verify nitrites and nitrates are not used.
As a result, some nitrate-free meats may still contain nitrates.
Are Nitrites Bad for You?
Nitrites are often converted into two types of compounds in the body.
One isnitric oxide, which is helpful for the body.
The other compounds are nitrosamines, which can be damaging to the body.
However, this association is not without controversy.
Whether the nitrites in red and processed meats are linked to cancer is highly debated.
On the other hand, naturally occurring nitrites have been linked to some health benefits.
These amounts seem safe for healthy infants, children, and adults.
Nitrites have also been found to be beneficial for several health problems.
Nitrite that has been converted to nitric oxide has been linked to cardiovascular and metabolic regulation.
Some studies suggest an association between nitrites and cancer, particularly when they are broken down into nitrosamines.
Other studies show nitrites have heart and other health benefits when broken down into nitric oxide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitrites can be broken down into compounds called nitrosamines.
Nitrosamines have been proven to cause cancer and genetic and DNA mutations in humans.
As opposed to hemoglobin, methemoglobin does not carry oxygen throughout the fish’s body.
This may cause the fish to suffocate even when there is enough oxygen available.
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