Nitric oxide is a vital molecule that your body produces naturally which plays an important role in your health. You need to how to increase nitric oxide and the foods you can eat to increase it in your body naturally.
Role of nitric oxide in your body
- Increases oxygen flow throughout your body.
- Improves your athletic performance and time of recovery.
- Improves the general functioning of your brain reducing cognitive decline.
- Lowers your blood pressure levels.
How to increase nitric oxide
Foods to eat to increase the nitric oxide in your body
Beetroot
Beets are rich in nitrates that your body converts into nitric oxide. Many athletes and bodybuilders take beet juice to increase nitric oxide levels in their bodies. You can either cook them and take them as a salad or juice them. Beets contain betalains which are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. Beets will lower your blood pressure which will allow more blood and oxygen to flow to your body helping you to train better.
Dark chocolate
Who said chocolate is bad for your health? Chocolate is healthy, partially at least. Raw cocoa contains flavanols that are rich in nitric oxide and is also an antioxidant. Chocolate lowers your blood pressure improving blood flow so that you’re able to have a more productive workout. It also reduces inflammation in your body, enhances brain function, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, chocolate contains sugar so instead, you can use cocoa powder in your cereal with a dash of honey to add flavour.
Leafy greens and other vegetables
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Am sure you remember your mum insisting that you eat your broccoli and you thought she didn’t love you? Now you know why. Vegetables like kale, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and lettuce are rich in nitrogen that your body metabolizes to produce nitric oxide. Regular intake of green leafy vegetables will significantly increase nitric oxide in your blood and tissues reducing the risk of you developing heart problems and cognitive decline.
Pomegranate
This delicious fruit is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect your cells from damage and protect the nitric oxide in your body from oxidative stress which causes coronary artery disease. This fruit improves your blood flow which helps in lowering your blood pressure and treating erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon
After a workout, you will feel refreshed chewing on a delicious slice of watermelon. Incidentally, it’s rich in citrulline, an amino acid that your body converts into nitric oxide. After a grueling workout, your muscles are sore, watermelon will reduce the time it takes for your muscles to heal. A delicious glass of watermelon juice is just what the doctor ordered.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts like walnuts and seeds contain high levels of arginine an amino acid that is used to produce nitric oxide in your body. Walnuts are rich in Vitamin E which is good for your brain, lower your blood pressure, and increase your endurance levels. This way you can train harder and faster.
Wow, isn’t all this information interesting
Now that you know how to increase nitric oxide in your body,all these foods will help boost your workouts, improve the health of your cardiovascular system, get more nutrition to your body, and give you a long and healthier life. For your body to function as it should, it requires nitric oxide. Eating green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and other foods that contain nitric oxide will go a long way in increasing its levels in your body promoting better health. Even basking in the sun can release nitric oxide into your bloodstream. You don’t have to go so far or spend a lot to buy foods rich in nitric oxide. Click here to learn more on foods rich in nitric oxide.
FAQ
Can too much nitric oxide be harmful?
Taking too much of nitric oxide can contribute to some health issues. If you’re suffering from diabetes, atherosclerosis, or high blood pressure, your body may not be producing enough nitric oxide.
Is taking nitric oxide safe?
Generally it’s safe to take nitric oxide but before you take it it’s advisable to consult your doctor. There are some side effects that you may experience like diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and red urine or poop.
Is nitric oxide safe for your heart?
Nitric oxide helps to relax your blood vessels which improves blood flow to the arteries in your heart. L-arginine is said to be effective in lowering blood pressure.
How long does a nitric oxide pump last?
Most nitric oxide boosters are most effective for one hour to 90 minutes. Although the nitric oxide booster can last longer, its effect wears off after 90 minutes.
Does nitric oxide lower blood pressure?
The nitric oxide in beets helps to lower your blood pressure by expanding your blood vessels so that there is easy flow of blood. Your body converts the nitrites in the beet to nitric oxide.
