Nitrate is a compound found in meat, vegetables and drinking water. It has been a topic of debate due to its health benefits. Recent evidence suggests that nitrate in dietary effectively reduces the risk of dementia, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). But people are still worried about a possible link between high-nitrate leafy green vegetables and increased risk of cancer as it is still unclear. But a new study has revealed that nitrate from plant sources has a lower mortality risk, and nitrate from processed meat, animal-based foods and tap water is linked to a higher risk. Â
In this study, researchers found that moderate to high intake of plant and vegetable-sourced nitrate was associated with a 14% to 24% lower risk of deaths related to CVD and cancer among 52,247 people. These people participated in the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Study. Â
Researchers also found that nitrate from plants is not only compound that benefits human health. Other compounds present in plants also reduce the risk of some health complications such as CVD, cancer and death. This clearly shows that people should eat more nitrate-rich vegetables to reduce the risk of death. The research also supports the growing evidence that shows that consuming nitrate-rich vegetables does not increase the risk of cancer. Â
Researchers also found that eating more animal-sourced nitrate increases the risk of overall death and death from CVD by 9% and 12% respectively. Eating more animal-sourced nitrite increases the risk of overall death, death from CVD and death from cancer by 25%, 29% and 18% respectively. This nitrite us formed from nitrate. On the other hand, eating nitrate and nitrite from processed meat increased the risk of death from cancer by 12% to 22%. Drinking tap water with higher levels of nitrate also increases the risk of death. Â
A reputed cancer expert said that nitrate can be absorbed in the body in two ways such as forming nitric oxide and nitrosomines. These nitrosomines can cause many cancers and increases the risk of death. Â
The results of this study clearly show that humans should eat more plants and less processed meat. This is the best human diet. But humans should also be very careful about drinking water as nitrate in drinking water can increase the risk of deaths from CVD. Â
Reference Link:Â Â
Nicola P. Bondonno et al, Source-specific nitrate intake and all-cause mortality in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, European Journal of Epidemiology (2024). Â
