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When we eat nitrates, they are converted into nitrites in our digestive system, which are then converted to ammonia and disposed of by the body. Nitrites are also inorganic compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen, but instead of three oxygen molecules they have two, NO2. Nitrates are not generally harmful unless they are consumed in massive quantities. Nitrites, on their own and in moderation, are also generally not harmful.
Eat More Veggies to Boost Your Dietary Nitrates. Nitrate (chemical symbol NO3-) is an inorganic compound composed of nitrogen and oxygen found naturally in soil and water. The nitrate in our diet comes from both food and drinking water, the highest levels of dietary nitrate are found in vegetables. However, the actual amount of nitrate in vegetables can be highly variable depending on growing conditions.