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Nitrates

All articles tagged with #nitrates

Beet Juice May Lower Blood Pressure by Altering Mouth Bacteria
health1 month ago

Beet Juice May Lower Blood Pressure by Altering Mouth Bacteria

A two-week study found that daily nitrate-rich beet juice lowered blood pressure in older adults and altered the mouth’s bacteria—reducing Prevotella and increasing beneficial Neisseria—by enabling nitrate to nitric oxide conversion that relaxes blood vessels. The effect was not seen with a nitrate-free placebo, suggesting oral bacteria play a key role. Beets and other nitrate-rich vegetables may offer modest heart-health benefits when consumed regularly (about a cup daily), but they aren’t a replacement for blood pressure medications.

Hot dogs: tasty barbecue staple, but nitrates demand moderation
health3 months ago

Hot dogs: tasty barbecue staple, but nitrates demand moderation

Hot dogs provide about 5 g of protein per link but often contain nitrates and nitrites used to preserve color, which can form nitrosamines during cooking or digestion and have been linked to colorectal cancer. Some brands now offer nitrate-free or uncured options (sometimes celery-derived), but these may still form nitrosamines in smaller amounts. Calorie-wise, hot dogs run about 120–150 calories, generally fewer than a plain 4 oz hamburger, though buns and toppings add calories. Overall, an occasional hot dog is fine within a diet focused on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Sugary gum after nitrate-rich veggies may boost heart benefits
health3 months ago

Sugary gum after nitrate-rich veggies may boost heart benefits

A study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that chewing sugary gum for several hours after consuming nitrate-rich vegetables (like beets, spinach, and kale) increases mouth nitrite and systemic nitrite, which can temporarily lower blood pressure. The effect is short-lived and while it may aid endurance or post-meal BP, sugary gum carries dental health risks and isn’t a substitute for medical BP management.

Nitrates in Tap Water Put 1 in 5 Americans at Risk, New Report Finds
health5 months ago

Nitrates in Tap Water Put 1 in 5 Americans at Risk, New Report Finds

EWG’s 2021–2023 analysis of nearly 50,000 public water systems finds about 62 million Americans (roughly 1 in 5) may drink tap water with nitrate levels linked to health risks; millions exceed 3 mg/L and thousands exceed 5 mg/L, with some wells reaching much higher levels. Nitrates largely come from agricultural fertilizers and manure, and private wells aren’t covered by EPA rules. Mitigation includes home reverse-osmosis filters, but tighter regulations and consumer awareness are urged, as bottled water is not a guaranteed fix.

Nitrates in water and processed foods tied to dementia risk, veggie nitrates may offer protection
health8 months ago

Nitrates in water and processed foods tied to dementia risk, veggie nitrates may offer protection

A Danish–Australian study followed about 55,000 adults for nearly 27 years and found higher nitrate intake from tap water and processed meats is associated with increased dementia risk, while nitrate from vegetables is linked to a ~10% lower risk. Antioxidants in vegetables may boost beneficial nitric oxide formation and block harmful N-nitrosamines, explaining the opposite effects. The research highlights a first-ever link between drinking-water nitrates and dementia, notes EU groundwater limits of 50 mg/L, and cites UK dementia figures around 900,000 and rising toward 1.4 million by 2040.

Scientists Discover Juice That Reduces Blood Pressure in 2 Weeks
health9 months ago

Scientists Discover Juice That Reduces Blood Pressure in 2 Weeks

A study suggests that drinking beet juice twice daily may help lower blood pressure in older adults by altering oral bacteria that convert nitrates into nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. Experts recommend considering beet juice as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and identify who may benefit most.

Beet Juice: A Simple Way to Lower Blood Pressure and Boost Heart Health
health1 year ago

Beet Juice: A Simple Way to Lower Blood Pressure and Boost Heart Health

A study found that daily consumption of nitrate-rich beet juice can lower blood pressure in adults, especially in older individuals, by altering oral bacteria and promoting vasodilation through nitric oxide production. Beets are a nutritious vegetable that may support heart health, digestion, and athletic performance, and should be consumed regularly alongside other nitrate-rich vegetables for optimal benefits.