What's nitrite
Nitrite is the sum of one type of inorganic compound, mainly sodium nitrite, which is widely present in the environment and is very common in nature. Nitrates in humans can be reduced to nitrites by micro-organisms and precursors of n-nitrochemicals。
Where does life come from
Nitrite is widely present in the natural environment. A certain amount of nitrite can be detected in foods (rice, flour), beans, vegetables, meat and eggs, such as vegetables, which contain about 4 mg/kg, meat about 3 mg/kg and eggs about 5 mg/kg. Many natural agricultural by-products themselves contain nitrites, which are also produced during food processing, especially those containing soybeans。
Where is nitrite used
The appearance and taste of nitrite are similar to that of salt and are widely used in industry, construction and in meat products, which are allowed to be used as a colour control limit。
Nitrate, as a meat-producing pigmentant, reacts with mymeoglobin in the meat to produce roses and nitro-folio to enhance the color of the meat; it also enhances the taste of the meat; and it is preservative to prevent the creation of botox and to extend the shelf life of meat products。
Under what circumstances is nitrite harmful to humans
One-time ingestion of 0. 2 ~ 0. 5 g nitrite can cause poisoning and one-time ingestion of 3 g can cause death。
Any nitrite leftovers
Long-stocked vegetables, decayed vegetables and cooked vegetables that have been placed for too long are converted into nitrites. Also, when porridge or food is boiled with potable water containing more nitrates and placed overnight with unclean vessels, nitrates are reduced to nitrites by the effect of bacteria。
Is nitrite carcinogenic
Nitrite can cause poisoning, but generally not carcinogenic, and nitrazine can cause cancer, a difference that may be easily confused. In general, nitrite may be converted to nitrite only under specified conditions, such as acidic environments, microbacteria and appropriate temperatures, while other nutrients, such as vitamin c, can block this conversion. Thus, under normal circumstances, nitrite is not carcinogenic in small amounts. Animal experiments have also confirmed carcinogenicity only in large doses of nitrite. In addition, small amounts of nitrite do not accumulate in the body and it is excreted with urine。
Summary
Nitrite is a preservative permitted in food worldwide, and there is no risk of poisoning as long as it is within national security standards. Over-ingestion, however, can lead to poisoning and possibly even fatality. In our daily lives, we should minimize the consumption of pickled foods and leftovers。
