Nitrate in All Respects: Metabolic Pathways, Sources, and Human Health

Nitrate is a naturally occurring form of nitrogen. It exists in the air, soil, water, and plants. It is also used as a food additive in foodstuffs such as cured meats and some cheese types. Ever since the nitrate was considered as a toxic contaminant of food and water with potentially harmful effects such as methemoglobinemia and cancer. More recently, it is reported that dietary nitrate has beneficial effects for the human body. In this review, it is discussed the dietary sources of nitrate and their affecting factors, and metabolism of nitrate in the human body, as well as its benefits on human health