Nitrates and nitrites are natural compounds found in the human body and some fruits and vegetables. Manufacturers also add these ingredients to processed foods like bacon to preserve them longer. So how do nitrates and nitrites in food affect your health?

Nitrate is a by-product of nitrogen gas that is excreted in the urine. However, nitrate in urine is quickly converted to nitrite in the presence of Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella and E.coli. The presence of nitrite can be said to be a sign of urinary tract infection.