New research has attempted to challenge the conventional wisdom that all nitrates and nitrites are harmful by showing that those derived from plants may in fact be a health resource.

Nitrate and nitrite are naturally occurring ions associated with the nitrogen cycle in soil and water, and have been associated with a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal cancer. However, a study by a Michigan State University researcher suggests that intake higher than the WHO standard of maximum 222 milligrams per day may be safe.

According to Norman Hord, people may safely consume more than 1,000 milligrams of nitrates and nitrites per day, provided they come from fruits and vegetables.

“We and others have shown that components of vegetables and fruit that originate in the soil may function as nutrients by contributing to cardiovascular health,” says Hord, associate professor of food science and human nutrition.

As a result, Hord and his collaborators have called for a reevaluation of the literature to highlight these potential benefits and suggested government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration also review their stringent regulations.

Among the diets rich in plant-derived foods is the alkaline diet. It is based on citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes, and is also believed to boost bone health into old age.