Nitric Oxide Foods

Nitric oxide is the chemical compound with the symbol NO, and it contains a single nitrogen and oxygen atom. In the human and mammalian body, nitric oxide is the free radical, which however serves some important purposes by acting as an intermediate in numerous life processes taking place within our body. It plays a significant role in vasodilation, immune functions and also acts as a neurotransmitter. In the human body, it is synthesized by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase or NOS. However, production and preservation of this gas depends on several important nutrients. Nowadays, body builders use supplements of this gas to improve muscle growth. However, production of nitric oxide can also be increased by consuming foods containing nitric oxide.

Functions of Nitric Oxide

Presence of adequate nitric oxide in the body is crucial for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and the immune system. It facilitates vasodilation or dilation of the blood vessels, which in turn, can provide protection against heart disease and strokes. It can also prevent the formation of blood clots within the blood vessels, which too can go a long way in lowering the risk for cardiovascular diseases. For the nervous system and the brain, it acts as a neurotransmitter that transmits impulses between the nerve cells.

Macrophages, an important component of the immune system produces nitric oxide to destroy infectious agents like, bacteria. It also increases blood flow to certain organs, when needed. As for example, it sends more blood to the stomach to facilitate digestion after eating a meal. Similarly, it increases supply of blood to other organs and the extremities of the body, if the need arises. Apart from these, it takes part in oxygen delivery and glucose uptake, besides helping to regulate blood pressure, lower the level of cholesterol in the body, and prevent erectile dysfunction in men.

Foods Containing Nitric Oxide

Soy beans and soy products along with certain seafoods and fish are some of the important foods high in nitric oxide. Even some nuts such as, peanuts, walnuts and brazil nuts can help to increase the level of nitric oxide in the body. Apart from these, some other foods are, beans, milk and dairy products, lean meat and chickpeas. However, as has been mentioned already, certain other nutrients can also play a role in elevating the level of nitric oxide in the body. As for example, the amino acid l- arginine acts as a catalyst in the production of nitric oxide. In fact, the enzyme nitric oxide synthase breaks down the amino acid l-arginine, and in the process generate nitric oxide. Similarly, vitamin C and E are of crucial importance for maintaining or preserving the level of nitric oxide in the body.

Therefore, for adequate production and preservation of nitric oxide, one needs to take foods rich in amino acid L- arginine, as well as vitamin C and E. As far l-arginine is concerned, one can get this amino acid from protein rich foods such as, wheat, oats, cereals, chicken, beef, milk and dairy products, soybean, chickpeas, peanuts, brazil nuts, walnuts and seafoods. Vitamin C can be found in a significant amount in citrus fruits like, lemon and orange, as well as in broccoli, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprout, pepper, strawberries, cauliflower, spinach, tomatoes, celery, pineapple and parsley. On the other hand, soya, nuts, wheat germ, corn oil, sunflower seeds, olive oil, mustard greens, turnip greens and spinach are some of the excellent sources of vitamin E.

Today, these supplements have gained large-scale popularity, especially among the bodybuilders. However, nitric oxide is a free radical and if its level elevates significantly, it can damage the tissues and have several other undesirable effects on our health. Therefore to avoid the side effects, it is very important to take supplementation only under the supervision of your health care provider. However, they can help to elevate the level of this gas naturally. Along with foods, exercises too can help to raise the level of this gas in the body.