Nitrates/Nitrites in Foods and Their Effects
Hydroponics—Farming without soil, which uses less water Nitrates in Plants Several factors influence the accumulation of nitrates in plants, which include: Lack of sunlight or water, variety, maturity High levels of fertilizers Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided so as to reduce nitrate buildup in soil and vegetables. [5] Nitrate levels in the soil , and Quality of irrigation water Nitrate is nontoxic below maximum residue levels ( MRLs ), but if it reaches above this level, it "could" (see more details later) be dangerous due to its reduction in nitrites , which can react with amines and amides to produce “ N-nitroso ” compounds responsible for gastric cancer. [5,6] High levels of nitrates in children stomach are also responsible for methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome). [7,8] The Healthy Route to Nitrite Processing Certain vegetables contain nitrates, which break down into nitrites when eaten. Nitrites are necessary and life-e...