The bodies ability to produce Nitric oxide declines with age. This may result in increased incidence of Stroke, Hypertension or Erectile dysfunction.
One of the most important molecules for blood vessel health is nitric oxide (NO). It is a major vasodilator, as it keeps blood vessels open. Doctors have prescribed nitroglycerin for years to patients with angina.
There are two cellular pathways in the body that generate nitric oxide. Dietary sources of nitrates and nitrites enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract and are subsequently converted into nitric oxide.
In a second pathway, an enzyme known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) synthesizes nitric oxide from the amino acid L-arginine and oxygen. Nitric oxide can then impact vasodilation, blood pressure regulation, inhibition of endothelial inflammatory cell recruitment, and platelet aggregation.
In short, nitric oxide can reduce blood pressure, prevent heart artery blockage, and prevent stroke. So let’s talk about 10 food items that can boost your nitric oxide levels AND improve your health.
In this article I will examine natural ways of increasing nitic oxide production on the body.
- Dark Chocolate
Guess what, chocolate is healthy. Well, that is only partially true, but at least we got your attention. The raw cacao bean increases nitric oxide and is loaded with antioxidants. Cacao can lower blood pressure and markers of inflammation.
Unfortunately, chocolate is loaded with sugar. Save it for special occasions and skip the milk chocolate. Only go for the dairy-free dark variety. I like to add raw cacao to my breakfast “cereal” of nuts and seeds along with coconut flakes and homemade nut milk.
- Citrus
Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit contain high amounts of vitamin C, which has been shown to protect your precious nitric oxide molecules from free radicals. Vitamin C from any source raises levels of nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that converts L-arginine into nitric oxide. Vitamin C is also a co-factor in reducing dietary nitrite to nitric oxide.
- Pomegranate
This delicious fruit boosts nitric oxide and is a tremendous anti-inflammatory. It also reduces oxidative stress, a leading factor in the production of coronary artery disease. Polyphenols in the pomegranate assist in converting dietary nitrite to nitric oxide. These same polyphenols block nitric oxide from converting back to nitrite.
Pomegranate inhibits the formation of monocyte chemo-attractant protein, a molecule that recruits inflammatory cells to the blood vessel lining. This is a major factor in coronary artery disease. Cranberries and other berries would have similar benefits.
4. Walnuts
Most people know that walnuts are high in heart healthy vitamin E. But because of their high amount of L-arginine, walnuts keep the blood vessels running freely. Interestingly, walnuts look a lot like the human brain, so eat them for brain health as well. Most other nuts are a good source of arginine. Soak your nuts for six hours prior to using.
5. Arugula
Also known, as rocket lettuce, arugula is the highest source of nitrates known. This bitter green is perfect in salads or sautéed with other veggies. We mix with grilled onions and use on top of our grass-fed burgers. I usually eat it straight out of the bag in handfuls.
6. Spinach
Want to be strong like Popeye? Eat your spinach (but fresh, not out of the can). This leafy green is packed with nutrients, and of course, nitrates. Add to salads, soups, sautéed or just straight out of the garden.
- Watermelon
Watermelon is loaded with the amino acid, L-citrulline, which gets converted into L-arginine and ultimately nitric oxide. So many people reach for L-arginine supplements, but the body does not absorb it well. L-citrulline is easy absorbed.
8. Beets
Beetroot is loaded with nitrates. There are plenty of studies that confirm this food as a vasodilator which lowers blood pressure. Also, beets are an excellent source of anti-oxidants and contain betalains, which are anti-inflammatory. Check out our organic beetroot powder here.
- Meat and Seafood
Grass-fed meat and wild seafood are a wonderful source of Co-enzyme Q10. This nutrient is a necessary co-factor to raise nitric oxide. Liver and other organs contain the highest amount of CoQ10. Statin drugs lower CoQ10 by 40% !!!
- Garlic
Garlic does not contain much in the way of nitrates, however it jump-starts their production by boosting the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NOS converts L-arginine into nitric oxide in the presence of other cofactors such as vitamin B2 and B3.
Studies also confirm that garlic supplements lower blood pressure and have many more benefits.
Thanks for being here and goodluck on your journey to optimal health and wellness. I invite you to check out other articles that may interest you using the search button at the top of the page. God-isLove.
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