The power of inorganic nitrates can be dynamic and life-changing!

This is Cassie reporting: “Welcome back to the Cassie Podcast, where we talk health, wellness, and more! I’m so excited to have my favorite guest and expert in the food as medicine space — Annie — on the show today! We’ll discuss the hot topic of inorganic nitrates — what they are and how they benefit our health. So, let’s get into it — the inorganic nitrate lowdown! Annie, what can you share?”

“Good morning, Cassie. Thanks for having me back. Inorganic nitrates have many descriptions, but we will focus our discussion on the foods we find them in, how they help maintain everyday health, and their influence in managing chronic conditions. A study conducted a few years ago showed lowering blood pressure is one of the most well-documented effects of consuming foods naturally containing inorganic nitrates.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and even more interesting is the recent Nitrate-CIN study, which confirmed that consuming beetroot juice for 5 days before angiography can significantly reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and subsequent cardiovascular and renal events.

“Wow, that sounds great and complicated. Tell us what that means, and what are inorganic nitrates?”

“Sure. Inorganic nitrates are molecules found in plants such as beets, spinach, and celery, which have been part of the human diet for centuries. Recently, they’ve been studied for their health benefits, such as increased energy, and their ability to reduce inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and cancer.

In addition, their properties improve performance in athletes by increasing energy and oxygen efficiency, allowing them to work harder and longer without fatigue.

Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of inorganic nitrates is their ability to reduce blood pressure. Research has found that nitrates can help improve blood vessel function, which can help lower high blood pressure. This may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. This is especially important for those at risk for heart disease or hypertension.

“Really? What are some of the top sources of inorganic nitrates?”

“Certain foods contain an inorganic nitrate that targets specific parts of your body.

1. Some foods that naturally produce calcium nitrate for tooth health are dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli; salmon; sardines; almonds; and tahini.
2. Foods with a high copper content can benefit skin health. Eating various foods, such as potato skins, mushrooms, prunes, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and dark leafy greens, can help naturally supply your body with the copper it needs to produce copper nitrate. Incorporating foods that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, red and green peppers, kiwi, and strawberries, can help your body absorb copper nitrate more efficiently.
3. Foods that naturally contain potassium nitrate include spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens, dried apricots, raisins, figs, prunes, and dark chocolate. Eating these foods can help provide the body with the levels of potassium nitrate for optimal muscle health.
4. Certain vegetables, such as beets, spinach, celery, and lettuce, naturally contain sodium nitrate. They have linked this form of nitrate to improved blood health because of its ability to help the body produce more iron, which is necessary for red blood cell production.
5. Iron-rich foods that naturally produce Iron Nitrate for Blood health include spinach, lentils, tofu, lean red meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, and tomatoes may also help improve iron absorption in the body.

Eating organic sources of these vegetables is recommended to get the highest concentration of inorganic nitrates. Drinking water is also a dietary source of inorganic nitrates.”

“Annie, this has been a very interesting discussion about food as a source of inorganic nitrates, another good example of food used as medicine.”

“Thanks, Cassie. Considering their potential health benefits, inorganic nitrates are a great source of nutrition and an excellent way to keep your body healthy.”

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.