Owing to the fact that you are reading this article, you are either aware of the benefits of increasing nitric oxide or you’re aiming to find out which are the best foods that boost nitric oxide levels in the body.
Either way, it is a good idea to start off with the basics of the importance of nitric oxide when it comes to human health in general, and male health in particular.
Once equipped with this information, you will know why it’s important to boost NO levels naturally with specific foods.
Nitric Oxide (NO), is an organic compound naturally found in many animals, including humans. While the term organic usually triggers a sense of safety and health, when it comes to NO, there is a darker side along with its benefits.
When isolated, nitric oxide is not a very friendly fellow. It is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the US, contributes to acid rain, and reacts with the ozone layer resulting in the depletion of O3. But that is its role in the environment.
When it comes to its function in the human body, it’s one of the most vital compounds circulating in your cells.
The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Body
You should be focusing on foods that boost nitric oxide levels – but why? Here is a list of reasons.
Nitric Oxide, Testosterone, and Sexual Function:
The best place to start perhaps is to get your attention by mentioning the close association between nitric oxide and testosterone.
And of special mention is the fact that both of them impact areas that are critical to male health, including good blood flow, athletic performance, sexual function, heart health and more.
Testosterone actually plays a part in protecting nitric oxide levels and maintaining the optimum amount required for healthy arterial functioning.
Low testosterone levels result in hardening of the arteries, which actually stunts the production of nitric oxide, which further contributes to unhealthy arteries – it’s a vicious downward spiral.
Another interesting thing to mention here, just to reiterate the importance of nitric oxide in sexual function, is the fact that Viagra actually works by slowing down the rate at which nitric oxide breaks down so that more is available for erections.
Nitric Oxide and the Nervous System:
Corroborating the stature of nitric oxide as an important signaling molecule in the body, this study explains how it may have a very important role in the signaling mechanisms within the nervous system.
A More “Flowing” Cardiovascular System:
Nitric oxide-based medication and supplements are known to lower blood pressure and relieve chest pains that arise due to the constriction of coronary arteries.
This is achieved due to the vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels) that nitric oxide causes.
Dilated arteries also translate to better blood flow to the genitals which is why increasing nitric oxide levels can also improve erection strength.
This study concluded that nitric oxide is an essential signaling compound responsible for the overall regulation of heart function.
Breathe Better:
Nitric oxide’s “dilation effects” on vessels are not limited to blood vessels alone. It plays an important role in widening pulmonary vessels in the lungs as well, resulting in better airflow.
It is also used to treat diseases that obstruct the airways in the lungs.
A study which examined the functionality of nitric oxide in the lungs of both rats and humans concluded that it may have an important role to play in the general homeostasis within the lung environment.
There are even more areas where nitric oxide plays an important part in male health, but even based on the list above, you can see there is a good case in favor of its benefits.
That said, you can now understand why the following nitric oxide boosting foods are vital.
Foods That Boost Nitric Oxide Levels in the Body
Here is a list of 10 foods that boost nitric oxide levels naturally.
Eat Meat:
Yes, especially their organs. Which are known to be rich in nitrates. Things like animal liver are probably the best way to go. Just make sure to choose organic meat to avoid the chemicals and hormones that are used in non-organic meats.
Garlic:
A very underrated everyday vegetable, garlic has been known to have natural Viagra-like effects while playing a role in generating NOS (nitric oxide synthase). NOS is an enzyme which acts as a catalyst when nitric oxide is being produced from L-arginine.
To read more about the benefits of garlic click here.
Drink Black Tea:
Another natural vasodilator, with nitric oxide boosting effects and increased blood flow. There are many studies that show how black tea can increase nitric oxide levels as well as relax arterial stiffness.
Dark Chocolate:
Probably the easiest choice to get used to, dark chocolate is linked with overall heart health and increased nitric oxide production.
But the ingredient in dark chocolate associated with these effects is pure cocoa itself. So the dark chocolate you choose should be one with a high percentage of pure cocoa.
Water Melon:
Also known as natural Viagra this amazing fruit contains healthy amounts of the amino acid L-Citrulline which is then converted into nitric oxide.
Read this article to learn about all the benefits of citrulline and why it’s so important when it comes to boosting nitric oxide levels.
Beets:
Beetroot is one of the best foods for men to eat for two reasons. Firstly they contain plenty of nitrates and secondly, they help to lower estrogen in the body. If you don’t have a juicer you can take concentrated organic beetroot powder that can be simply added to water.
Honey:
Having a very enzyme and nitrate-rich composition, its role in maintaining high levels of NO due to its high nitrate content cannot be understated.
Kale:
Kale not only directly influences an increase in testosterone levels, but it also plays a role in boosting nitric oxide levels. One of the reasons for this is because kale contains high amounts of co-enzyme Q10 which increases nitric oxide production.
Onions:
Onions, too, fall in the same category as Kale – boosting testosterone AND nitric oxide levels. In addition, onions are a good source of vitamin C that can help to protect nitric oxide from free radicals.
Shrimp:
Probably the best food to consume when it comes to a direct impact on nitric oxide production in the body. This is because it actually contains L-arginine.
And why is that important? It is because L-arginine is the precursor to nitric oxide; which basically means nitric oxide is synthesized in the body from L-arginine.
In Conclusion
Nitric oxide is not one of those compounds you may wish to have a healthy amount of in your system, it is a very important compoundto a multitude of bodily functions, and is closely related to your sex life and testosterone levels.
While a nitric oxide booster supplement is always an option, the foods listed above should be enough to get some good results.
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