What Foods Contain Nitric Oxide

Nitrogen Monoxide or Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas that is generated in the body naturally during chemical reactions. It is essential for our health. This chemical compound plays an important role in various metabolic processes taking place in the body. It acts as a neurotransmitter in the human body. What are the ways to consume nitric oxide? You can inhale the gas, you can take nitric oxide supplements or you can consume foods that contain nitric oxide.

Health Benefits of Nitric Oxide

• Nitric oxide protects the body against various ailments.
• It transmits information from one place to another in our body.
• It prevents bleeding in the brain.
• It helps prevent loss of brain tissue, it enhances brain function.
• It promotes proper circulation of blood as it helps in widening of blood vessels.
• It prevents heart disorders and strokes.
• It does not allow plaque to accumulate in the arteries.
• It strengthens the immune system.
• It keeps you free from cardiovascular diseases.
• It increases your stamina and allows you to work out harder and longer.
• It triggers the release of adrenaline and allows to work out for an extended time.
• It prevents formation of blood clots.
• It prevents inflammation due to extreme workout.
• It supports muscle development and also promotes fast recovery of muscles.
• It helps regulate blood pressure.
• It is used to treat erectile dysfunction.
• It helps lose muscle fat and build lean muscles.
• Critically ill premature babies who are diagnosed with lung and breathing problems are given doses (inhaling) of nitric oxide. This helps save their lives.

Foods to Increase Nitric Oxide Level

Along with foods containing nitric oxide, you should consume foods that contain amino acid L- arginine and foods rich in vitamin C and E. The amino acid L-arginine helps to produce nitric oxide when it enters the blood vessels. Vitamins C and E help maintain nitric oxide levels. Moreover, they also promote relaxation of blood vessels or vasodilation, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. You can keep the list of nitric oxide foods handy.

Foods that Contain Nitric Oxide

• Fish
• Different sea-foods
• Soy beans and various soy products
• Peanuts
• Walnuts
• Brazil nuts
• Beans
• Milk and dairy products
• Chickpeas
• Lean meat

List of Food Sources of L-Arginine

• Cashews
• Pistachios
• Hazelnuts
• Walnuts
• Peanuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Macadamia Nuts
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Brown rice
• Beef
• Chicken
• French beans
• Kidney beans
• Milk
• Pecans
• Pork
• Quinoa
• Squash
• Shredded Coconut
• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Snails
• Seafood
• Soy
• Teff
• Tuna
• Watermelon
• Wheat Germ
• Veal

As you know, apples, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, grapes, berries, pepper, strawberries, cauliflower, tomatoes, celery, pineapple, spinach, broccoli, etc. provide vitamin C. Avocado, various berries, guava, kiwi, papaya, peach, almonds, filberts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, pumpkin, broccoli, Swiss chard, etc. are examples of foods rich in vitamin E.

Various nitric oxide supplements are available in market which claim to improve muscle, stamina and overall strength, but there is no evidence to support these benefits. Remember, nitric oxide as a free radical, can affect your health seriously if its levels are elevated. High levels of nitric oxide can kill neurons and can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system. Consumption of nitric oxide supplements can prove to be harmful. Consuming nitric oxide foods or foods that help preserve nitric oxide levels is the safest and easiest way to increase your nitric oxide levels. Those opting for supplements should consult their physician about correct dosage and side effects.