22.08.2018

With the onset of the ripening season of fruits and vegetables and the importation into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan from other states, there is a risk of poisoning with nitrates contained in vegetables and melons.

Nitrates are salts of nitric acid, which are necessary for all plants for growth and development, so they will be present in the products in any case. If the content of nitrates in the soil does not exceed the permissible norm, then they are completely absorbed by plants and do no harm. But often, in pursuit of the harvest, nitrogen fertilizers are used without any measure, which leads to an increased content of nitrates in vegetables and fruits.

By themselves, nitrates have long been considered weakly toxic substances and have even been used as medicines. But it turned out that, getting into the human body, most of the nitrates are converted into nitrites (salts of nitrous acid). And nitrites, in turn, are real poisons. They actively interact with hemoglobin in the blood and cause, at best, poisoning, and at worst, disruption of the respiratory and nervous systems, thyroid gland, and heart, which can ultimately lead to oncology. These substances pose the greatest danger to pregnant and lactating women, as well as to babies.

How to determine the amount of nitrates in vegetables and fruits?

You need to be careful when buying: white cabbage, beets, radishes and radishes, cucumbers, pumpkins, all your favorite watermelons and melons, as well as greens (dill, parsley, celery), as these plants are favorites in terms of the content of nitric acid salts.

What are the clear signs that the norm of nitrates is exceeded in vegetables and fruits

• Change in skin color and flesh. For example, in a watermelon with a high content of nitrates, you can see yellow streaks in the pulp. Large cucumbers with an unnaturally dark color are also better not to buy. In carrots, artificial growing conditions can be indicated by a light, almost white core, and in red grapes, a white bloom. If you see red tomatoes that show green flesh when cut, you can be sure they have been fertilized.
• Too big tops. As you know, if too much fertilizer is used, most of the nitrogen goes to increase the green part of the plants, i.e. leaves, stems and tops, so this is also a very clear sign.
• Unripe seeds, mild taste.
• Unnaturally large or small fetus.

But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine the increased content of harmful substances in appearance.

Of course, it will not be possible to completely get rid of nitrates. But you can significantly reduce their number, knowing where they accumulate, and adhering to the elementary rules for processing products.

1. By peeling the fruit, you will get rid of about 50% of the nitrates contained there!
2. Store fresh vegetables and fruits at a low temperature in the refrigerator or cellar.
3. Heat treatment disinfects food.
4. Canning and salting reduce the content of nitric acid salts by 2, and in some cases even 3 times!

This is useful to know when buying vegetables and fruits:

• buy products in trusted stores and supermarkets;
• try to buy vegetables and fruits in season;
• check the fruits for integrity;
• buy medium-sized fruits and vegetables;

Sanitary-hygienic laboratory specialists

RSE on REM "National Center of Expertise"

in Akmola region: G. Zhumagalieva, A. Ismaganbetova