The association between vegetable-derived nitrate and nitrite intake, cardiovascular risk factors and glycemic markers in obese individuals

Although plant-derived nitrates and nitrites are increasingly recognized for their potential metabolic advantages, current research presents mixed outcomes. This study explores the relationship between vegetable-sourced nitrate and nitrite consumption and key metabolic indicators in overweight and obese Iraqi adults. A total of 338 individuals participated in a cross-sectional analysis, completing a validated food frequency questionnaire to quantify their intake of nitrates and nitrites from vegetables. Blood pressure readings were obtained using standard sphygmomanometer, and biochemical markers—including fasting glucose, lipid profile, and insulin—were assessed via enzymatic assays. Participants with the highest intake of vegetable nitrates demonstrated significantly lower systolic blood pressure compared to those with the lowest intake (P < 0.05). Likewise, elevated dietary nitrite consumption was linked to lower fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels, alongside increased HDL cholesterol (P < 0.05), across both crude and adjusted statistical models. Elevated intake of nitrates and nitrites from vegetables appears to be associated with favorable cardiovascular and metabolic health markers in overweight and obese individuals. These results highlight the potential of vegetable-based nitrate and nitrite consumption as a dietary strategy for improving cardio-metabolic outcomes, meriting further investigation through longitudinal studies.