Nitric oxide and cardiovascular health

Nitric Oxide (NO)

The mechanisms behind hypertension, as well as the metabolic circumstances linked with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), are critical for the control of autonomic nervous system (ANS) pathways involved in the regulation of cardiovascular and metabolic activities (Amin et al., 2020, p. 6). Critical processes associated with hypertension involve oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and immunological modulation (Ahmad et al., 2018, p. 3; Barrows et al., 2019,p. 2 ). In addition, Nitric oxide (NO) has a role in various physiological processes, including regulating vascular tone, blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle growth. These methods of action are critical in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and inflammatory pathologies and immunological function. Thus, vascular dysfunction must be addressed, as well as renal, immune, and liver function, sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dominance and oxidative stress (OS) (Daiber et al., 2019, pp. 1-34).

Beets

After 45 minutes of consuming a beetroot juice supplement, one study found that it boosted nitric oxide levels by 21% in 38 adults (Kroll et al., 2018, p. 784).

Additionally, another study discovered that ingesting 3.4 ounces (100 mL) of beetroot juice dramatically raised nitric oxide levels in men and women (Baião et al., 2016, p. 1).

Beets have been linked to a range of health benefits due to their high dietary nitrate content, including improved cognitive function, increased physical performance, and decreased blood pressure levels (Gilchrist et al., 2014; Muggeridge et al., 2014, p. 143; Webb et al., 2008, p. 784)

Garlic

Garlic increases nitric oxide levels via activating nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of L-arginine to nitric oxide (Das et al., 1995).

Within an hour of intake, aged garlic extract raised blood nitric oxide levels by up to 40%, according to one animal research (Morihara et al., 2002)

Another test-tube investigation discovered that aged garlic extract increased the quantity of nitric oxide that the body can absorb

Garlic’s capacity to enhance nitric oxide levels has been shown in human and animal studies to be helpful to health and can help decrease blood pressure and improve exercise tolerance (Al-Qattan et al.,2006, p. 774S).

Meat

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is found in meat, poultry, and shellfish and is thought to aid in the preservation of nitric oxide in the body (Garrido-Maraver et al., 2014, p.188).

In fact, the average meal comprises between 3–6 mg of CoQ10, with meat and poultry accounting for roughly 64% of total consumption (Weber & Hølmer, 1997; Pravst et al., 2010, p. 269).

The highest concentrations of CoQ10 can be found in organ meats, fatty fish, and muscle meats, including beef, poultry, and pork (DiNicolantonio et al., 2015, p. 1; Gökbel et al., 2010, p. 97).

Leafy Greens

Nitrates are found in leafy green plants such as spinach, arugula, kale, and cabbage, converted to nitric oxide in the body (Brkić et al., 2017, p. 31).

According to one study, eating nitrate-rich foods like green leafy vegetables daily can help maintain adequate nitric oxide in the blood and tissues (Milkowski et al., 2010, p. 110).

One study found that eating a nitrate-rich meal with spinach boosted salivary nitrate levels eightfold while considerably lowering systolic blood pressure (the top number) (Liu et al., 2013).

In other studies, consumption of high-nitrate leafy greens has also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and cognitive decline (Pollock, 2016, p. 1).

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are all high in vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin essential for good health (Lykkesfeldt et al., 2014, p. 16).

By boosting its bioavailability and enhancing its absorption in the body, vitamin C can boost nitric oxide levels (Mortensen & Lykkesfeldt, 2014,p. 52).

According to research, it may also increase the amounts of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme required for the creation of nitric oxide (d’Uscio et al., 2003, p. 88).

According to studies, citrus fruit consumption has been associated with lower blood pressure, more outstanding cognitive function, and a lower risk of heart disease. This could be owing to their ability to boost nitric oxide levels (Alharbi et al., 2016, p. 2021).

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is high in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from harm and maintain nitric oxide levels.

Since pomegranate juice increases triglyceride and VLDL-C levels, it has favourable effects on blood pressure and the inflammatory index hs-CRP. However, this study demonstrated that dietitians were correct to be concerned, at least in the short term, because pomegranate juice, in addition to having favourable effects on blood pressure and inflammatory indices, has detrimental effects on triglyceride and VLDL-C, owing to its high fructose content. Therefore, it is essential to conduct long-term investigations on the influence of pomegranate juice on the lipid profile and inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome (Moazzen & Alizadeh, 2017, p. 127).

Pomegranate, potent in antioxidants, has been shown in human and animal tests to enhance blood flow, which could be especially helpful in treating disorders like high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction (Asgary et al., 2013, p. 327).

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are abundant in arginine, an amino acid required for nitric oxide synthesis.

According to some studies, eating arginine-rich foods such as nuts and seeds in your diet may help boost your body’s nitric oxide levels.

For instance, one study of 2,771 participants discovered that a higher diet of arginine-rich meals was connected with increased blood levels of nitric oxide (Mirmiran et al., 2016, p. 2).

After only two weeks, another small trial discovered that supplementing with arginine enhanced nitric oxide levels (Wheeler, 1997).

Regular consumption of nuts and seeds has been linked to decreased blood pressure, enhanced cognition, and higher endurance due to their high arginine content and superior nutrient profile (Sarrafzadegan, 2015, p. 966).

Watermelon

Watermelon is a good source of citrulline, an amino acid that your body converts to arginine and, eventually, nitric oxide.

According to new research, eating more watermelon boosts nitric oxide levels and improves exercise performance, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood flow (Figueroaa et al., 2017, p. 92).

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is high in flavanols, naturally occurring chemicals with many health advantages.

Cocoa flavanols, in particular, have been shown in studies to aid in the establishment of adequate amounts of nitric oxide in the body, which promotes heart health and protects cells from oxidative damage (Fraga et al., 2011. p. 63).

A 15-day study of 16 persons found that eating 30 grammes of dark chocolate every day resulted in significant increases in blood nitric oxide levels. Furthermore, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels — the top and bottom numbers of the blood pressure reading — decreased in individuals (Sudarma et al., 2011. p. 224).

Dark chocolate has been linked to increased blood flow, improved brain function, and a reduced risk of heart disease due to its high nitric-oxide-boosting flavanols (Djoussé et al., 2011, p. 1; Lee Hooper et al., 2012, p. 740).

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a hormone that contributes to the synthesis of nitric oxide. When exposed to vitamin D in the bloodstream, brain cells respond by increasing nitric oxide synthase activity. Because nitric oxide is vital for brain function, getting enough vitamin D can help your nervous system stay healthy (Wimalawansa, 2019, p. 2).

Hypertension, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and various other disorders are all associated with vitamin D insufficiency (Khanam, 2021).

Vitamin D has the following advantages:

  • It aids in weight loss
  • Maintains insulin balance
  • It helps to keep blood pressure in check
  • Enhances the function of the endothelial cells

An essential effect of vitamin D is that it boosts the generation of eNOS. Vitamin D’s ability to impact all of the health concerns linked with insufficiency is due to this augmentation of eNOS. The enzyme eNOS is responsible for the production of nitric oxide. It is this enzyme that allows arginine to be converted to Nitric Oxide. Vitamin D becomes a key component of Cardio Miracle by increasing eNOS endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (Förstermann & Sessa, 2012, p. 1; (Garcion et al., 2002, p. 100).

 

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