Nearly one-fourth of all marine animals, including about 7,000 species of fish, depend upon coral reefs for some part of their life cycle. Learn More at AskFWC Get FWC News Feeds
Although nitrites are the nitrogen compound chiefly used in meat curing, nitrates are used in certain specialty curing processes where a long release of nitrite from parent nitrate stores is needed. The use of nitrates in food preservation is controversial.
â¢ Nitrates occur naturally in the soil. â¢ Nitrates are used to preserve cured meats. â¢ Nitrates convert to nitrites in the body. High levels of nitrates have been linked with increased risks of Alzheimer's, diabetes, and Parkinson's, along with gastric, esophageal, and colon cancers. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.