Why is Nitric Oxide Important?

 

Why is nitric oxide so important? Nitric oxide is made in the body by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase from the amino acid arginine. Arginine is an element in the protein you eat. When you eat nuts and seeds, lean meats, yogurt, and dairy, your body, in a series of steps, breaks this down to produce nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide in the body reduces blood pressure by improving the muscles tone or relaxation of your muscles in your arteries, allowing your blood to flow more freely. It also improves the contraction of muscles in your whole body. Your muscles are able to contract better which allows more oxygen and blood to enter, improving your strength. It increases the uptake of blood in your brain, known as perfusion. Our brain is hungry for oxygen and energy. An increase in the uptake of blood ensures that the brain is meeting its needs. Nitric Oxide helps our body produce more energy in a unit known as ATP. Mitochondria, known as our cell batteries, produce ATP. More energy means your body functions better.

Nitric oxide helps bone marrow produce more cells through a process called angiogenesis. Bone marrow is the source of new cells in your body.

So how can you improve the production of nitric oxide? Consume beetroot juice and increase your intake of foods that are rich in L-arginine. If that doesn't work, you can always take a supplement. I prefer beets, I will add them to my juice, my salad or a side vegetable. Try this Apple Carrot Beet Juice by Downshiftology 

Ingredients: (Makes 1)

• 1 med beet, trimmed & cut up
• 1 apple, cut up
• 3 carrots, ends trimmed, cut up
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 fresh ginger, 2 inches
• 1 cup cold water

Place all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth.

Source:

Beetroot juice increase nitric oxide metabolites in both men and women regardless of body mass - PubMed (nih.gov)