Nitrate cancer myth! Eating high-content dark green vegetables can reduce cardiovascular risk by 30%?
Do nitrates and nitrites cause cancer? Drugs used to prevent angina pectoris
Nitrate is a compound composed of nitrogen and oxygen. It is an essential nutrient for plants. It is commonly found in vegetables (celery, lettuce, spinach) and will be converted into “nitrite” after the action of bacteria. Under certain conditions, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) defines ingestion of nitrates and nitrites as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans (2A).
However, nitrates have a wide range of uses. Organic nitrates have a vasodilatory effect and can improve the blood oxygen supply to the heart. They are the main ingredients of common angina prevention drugs. Nitrates are present in food. Will they really cause cancer when ingested by the human body?
In fact, nitrates are commonly found in green vegetables and processed meats, and vegetables contain many active ingredients that can effectively block the conversion of nitrites into carcinogens. Therefore, the real cancer risk of nitrates may be lower than people think?
Eating processed meat can lead to cancer? Worry more about high blood pressure and heart disease
Dr. Walter Willett, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard University in the United States, pointed out that processed products such as bacon, sausage, and ham often add nitrates or nitrites to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. The source of preservatives currently used in processed products is mostly “celery extract” instead of traditional nitrites. However, this does not mean that such additives are healthier.
Dr. Willett said that after digestion of meat in the stomach, the chemical components produced combine with nitrite to form potential carcinogens ─ N-nitroso compounds (NOC). Such substances may be One of the causes of cancer is those who consume large amounts of processed meat over a long period of time. However, under a normal diet, the amount of N-nitroso compounds synthesized should not be enough to cause cancer.
Dr. Willett further pointed out that there are currently no clinical studies that can prove the connection between N-nitroso compounds and cancer. He believes that the excessive sodium content in processed meats will significantly increase the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Compared with nitrates, which must undergo chemical reactions to synthesize carcinogens, the high sodium content in processed foods is more harmful to human health.
Eating more dark green vegetables reduces cardiovascular risk by 30%
Dark green vegetables (such as spinach, lettuce or celery) are also rich in nitrates. Will excessive intake affect the human body? Dr. Willett explained that the vitamin C and antioxidants in vegetables can inhibit the reaction of harmful compounds in N-nitroso compounds. These active ingredients can block the conversion of nitrite into carcinogens. And some studies have confirmed that vegetables rich in nitrates are related to a lower incidence of cancer.
Some short-term studies have found that eating vegetables containing high doses of nitrates may help lower blood pressure, but there is no relevant research to support the prevention of other cardiovascular diseases. A study initiated by Dr. Willett collected dietary data from more than 62,000 women and tracked their eating habits for nearly 26 years. The results showed that consuming 2 servings of dark green vegetables per day is related to a reduction in cardiovascular disease.
The study claimed that subjects who consumed more than 1.5 servings of vegetables per day had a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with subjects who consumed less than 1.5 servings of vegetables per day. Dr. Willett believes that the “vitamin B” and “potassium” in dark green vegetables may play a key role in preventing cardiovascular disease.
“People should indeed limit their intake of processed meats, but from observational studies, the nitrates contained in natural foods are not all bad for the body.”
Dr. Willett said that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of nitrates in natural foods on the human body. However, eating more dark green vegetables is still beneficial for most healthy people. On the other hand, it’s best to stay away from processed foods, whether they contain nitrates or not.
source:
Nitrates in food and medicine: What’s the story?
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