Dietary nitrates: what they are and where they come from

If you've read anything about beetroot, you've probably come across the word nitrates. It sounds like something from a chemistry lab. In fact it's something you eat every day, mostly without noticing. Here's what it means, in plain language.

What are nitrates?

Nitrates are natural compounds of nitrogen and oxygen. Plants take them up from the soil as they grow, because nitrogen is one of the nutrients they need. Some of it stays in their leaves and roots. That's why vegetables are the main source of nitrates in most people's diets.

Which vegetables have the most?

Leafy greens and some root vegetables are the richest: rocket, spinach, lettuce, celery, radish and beetroot. The amounts vary a lot, though. They depend on the variety, the soil, the season and how the vegetable is grown. So there's no single number for "beetroot".

What happens to nitrates in the body?

The body can convert dietary nitrates into nitric oxide. It's a natural process, and it starts in the mouth.

Nitrates and nitrites are not the same thing

Many people hear "nitrates" and think of processed meat. Cured meats mainly use nitrites as preservatives, sometimes nitrates too. On the label you'll see them as E249–E252. In vegetables, nitrates occur naturally. Both are regulated in the EU and their levels are controlled. If you have questions about your own diet, a doctor or dietitian is the best person to ask.

Why athletes talk about beetroot

Beetroot is often used by athletes and active people as a simple, plant-based addition to their routine. It's one of the most nitrate-rich vegetables you can easily buy in Poland. And it's been on our tables for generations, from barszcz to ćwikła.

So where do we come in?

Our shot is three organic ingredients: beetroot, ginger and lemon. Cold-pressed and bottled fresh in small batches, from a recipe that started in a grandmother's kitchen. We don't promise miracles. We just made a beetroot shot that tastes good enough to drink every day. If that sounds like your kind of routine, the box is the easiest way to keep it going.