L-Arginine, an amino acid, is popularly recognized for its artery-benefiting characteristics, primarily because it remarkably augments nitric oxide levels. It is particularly favorable for individuals with heart-related complications. This amino acid is a crucial nutrient for heart health and optimal blood circulation.
Being an indispensable amino acid, L-arginine cannot be produced in adequate amounts by our bodies, necessitating its intake from our diet.
The beneficial properties of L-Arginine are largely due to its role as a precursor to nitric oxide. Essentially, L-arginine is the only nutritional substrate available in the lining of your blood vessels for nitric oxide synthesis.
Meaning, your body requires sufficient L-Arginine to synthesize nitric oxide.
By enhancing nitric oxide function, L-arginine facilitates the relaxation of blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow. This is also enabled by nitric oxide's ability to relax the smooth muscle cells located in most parts of the body, excluding the heart.
Nitric oxide's response to these muscle cells allows for vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in blood flow.
Experts have discovered that supplementing with L-arginine aids in producing nitric oxide in the necessary tissues via ‘nitric oxide synthase'. Nitric oxide, a small molecule, is mobile within and around cells.
Nitric Oxide for Enhanced Exercise Capacity
Hemodynamics, or the physical aspect of blood circulation, when improved, leads to a better exercise capacity. As one's exercise capacity improves, so does their circulation, creating a beneficial cycle.
Studies have shown that nitric oxide can increase the effectiveness of hemoglobin to produce oxygen-rich blood, leading to improved oxygen delivery to cells. This highlights nitric oxide's crucial role in blood circulation, and the potential benefits of L-arginine supplementation.
Boosting Nitric Oxide Production in the Body
Exercise is one of the most effective methods to increase nitric oxide levels in the body. It's important to note that L-arginine is necessary for nitric oxide production.
Fortunately, L-arginine can be found in abundance in foods such as lentils, eggs, fruits, nuts, and grains.
During exercise, the heart works harder to ensure sufficient blood flow and oxygen reach the muscles to support the physical activity. As a result, the arteries' lining produces nitric oxide, which is released into the blood, causing the vessel walls to widen and relax, facilitating more blood flow.
The importance of exercise is widely recognized, especially as we age. This is crucial because with age, the efficiency of our blood vessels and nitric oxide production decreases, often due to free radical damage. This can lead to deterioration of the arteries and veins. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help delay these effects.