Consuming nitric oxide in foods can provide several health benefits, including improved memory, strength, and immune system function. It can help with blood pressure, digestion, and inflammation as well. Nitric oxide has also shown to be helpful in fighting heart disease and erectile dysfunction. Overall, it can help patients with chronic pain. Eating foods with the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline can help to produce the nitric oxide the body needs to function efficiently.
In essence, consuming nitric oxide in foods helps the systems in the body to work better together. It improves mental clarity by helping the nerves to communicate more effectively with the brain. By clearing channels of communication, nitric oxide can also increase the sensitivity of the senses.
As nitric oxide opens the arteries and prevents build-up, it eases the flow of blood through the body. It also bolsters the ability of the immune system to hold off tumors and bacteria. Individuals who get sufficient nitric oxide in foods often have improved digestion, strength, and sleep patterns.
Nitric oxide can help erectile dysfunction by increasing the flow of blood to the penis. It does this by enabling the blood vessels to relax. While taking supplements or medication are the most effective way to use nitric oxide for sexual dysfunction, a diet rich in the substance can help by increasing overall blood flow for the long-term.
Getting nitric oxide in foods can also help to bolster efforts to fight heart disease. It thins the blood and works to prevent accumulation of matter and clots in the blood vessels, which can relax the arteries and improve blood flow. Medication and exercise are also often prescribed to heart disease patients to increase the benefits of a nitric oxide-rich diet.
Nitric oxide can be produced by foods that contain amino acids called L-arginine and L-citrulline. The two often work together. For example, consumption of arginine can lead to the production of citrulline in the body, which makes nitric oxide. Then the citrulline can make more arginine, which also produces nitric oxide. When the process works efficiently, the body is typically able to generate sufficient amounts of the compound.
The compound is present in many types of cold-water fish, such as tuna and salmon. Nuts, including almonds, peanuts, and walnuts, also enable the production of nitric oxide. Vegetables such as beets, spinach, and celery are rich with the compound as well. Other good sources include beans, oats, and soy.