Useful tips and tricks
Полезные советы и рекомендации 24.07.2019

As everyone knows, in the food industry nitrates and nitrites are used as preservatives and color enhancers. Nitrates are salts of nitric acid that are used as mineral nitrogen fertilizers. High doses of nitrates are toxic, they can accumulate in the body, creating a cumulative effect. Nitrates themselves are always present in plants, as they are a natural source of nitrogen in any plant organism. However, in humans, they can, under certain conditions, be converted into nitrites and other compounds that have a negative effect on health.

Nitrites contribute to the emergence of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and cause the development of harmful intestinal bacteria that produce toxins, which can lead to poisoning of the body.

Now, perhaps, understand why small children are not recommended to give vegetables in cultivation which used fertilizers, even when the content of nitrates within acceptable limits.

That is why we have prepared some useful recommendations that will help when buying vegetables and fruits and cooking dishes from them:

  • When cooking vegetables, cut the" tail " of the vegetable and its top. They contain the highest nitrate content (especially beets, radishes, carrots and cucumbers);
  • In zucchini nitrates are concentrated directly under the skin. Because it needs to be cut quite a thick layer;
  • In white cabbage, remove the top leaves, they also contain an increased dose of nitrates;
  • In fresh greens, nitrates are concentrated at the roots and in the stems. It is necessary to cut them. In addition, try to cut the greens right before use, as after 10 minutes after shredding, under the influence of oxygen and microorganisms, nitrates in the greens begin to turn into nitrites (that is, toxins);
  • The nitrate content of watermelons decreases from the stalk.
  • Buying a watermelon, just do not make cuts. Dirty watermelon, dirty hands seller, dirty knife-the prospect of catching any intestinal infection, up to dysentery. Before use, wash the watermelon under running water.
  • Choosing watermelons, pay attention to the stalk. It should be dry. Tap on a watermelon-the sound should be "ringing".
  • Do not purchase crumpled products. Wrinkled melon taste bitter, and watermelons deteriorate significantly taste.

Head of RSE on PVC "national center of expertise»
Ili district of Almaty region
Medetov N. O.
Laboratory specialist
Bazilbaev G. T.