Nitrates in Spinach

A while back I heard that spinach naturally has 40 times more nitrates than processed deli meat. After much research, I found that it is true but because they are naturally occurring nitrates and not lab created, they are safe. The natural nitrates in spinach actually help build muscle! So if there is a processed meat that has sodium nitrate. In it, I'd say stay far far away. Sodium nitrate in processed food has been proven to cause cancer whereas eating spinach, celery and carrots that have natural nitrates help muscle growth and fight off auto immune diseases that deteriorate muscle. (Like M.S.) so be like Popeye and eat your spinach!