Wellness Wednesday - Increasing Circulation: A Look At Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide is the master signaling molecule of the body. It regulates the muscle tone of blood vessels allowing them to dilate for improved blood flow to tissues, organs, muscles. By protecting the blood vessels' from harmful constriction, in essence widening the blood vessels, this allows more blood to circulate throughout the body. Nitric Oxide also inhibits vasoconstriction influences. This molecule helps maintain, defend, and repair every cell in the body, and regulate inflammation. It's anti inflammatory action includes inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium (endothelium is the layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels). Endolthelium cells line the entire circulatory system from heart to the smallest capillary.
Nitric Oxide's recognition in the scientific community includes being named The Molecule of the Year by Science Magazine (1992), and it earned the Nobel Prize for Medicine (1998) for three American scientists (Louis Ignarro, Robert Furchgott and Ferid Murad).
Think of Nitric Oxide as the Big Kahuna of circulation in the body.
To produce nitric oxide the body uses the amino acid Arginine. While Arginine is found in various plants and foods, the common supplement forms of Arginine are made using a method called the Strecker synthesis which combines aldehyde, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. Whole foods that provide substantial amounts of Arginine are pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, wheat germ, oranges, and brewer's yeast.
It is interesting that in Nature, Arginine does not exist without an essential amino acid: Lysine. Some foods are high in Lysine, and low in Arginine; while other foods are high in Arginine and low in Lysine. But those two amino acids always exist together in Nature. Lysine plays many important roles in the body including helping to maintain the nitrogen balance, assists in calcium absorption, and the production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
Benefits to horses of increased Nitric Oxide:
The benefits of stimulating and supporting increased Nitric Oxide are accelerated healing, efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and increased protein synthesis which results in faster cell renewal. Think of the increase in Nitric Oxide as a kind of internal shockwave therapy. When blood vessels are dilated, increased blood and fluid and nutrients can flow to the injured area. This is especially helpful for horses that have tendon or ligament strain injuries, muscle strains, foot issues including inflammation of the bursa, navicular syndrome, even fractures like coffin bones and common splints. Nitric Oxide stimulation helps in wound healing, in joint support, easing the stiffness that older horses often experience.
Foods High In Arginine - News
It is interesting that in Nature, Arginine does not exist without an essential amino acid: Lysine. Some foods are high in Lysine, and low in Arginine; while other foods are high in Arginine and low in Lysine. But those two amino acids always exist
Meals rich in saturated fats interfere with nitric oxide production. The amino acid, arginine, in walnuts helps generate nitric oxide through the lining of artery walls. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant fat that regulates arrhythmic
Consume nutrients that are positively linked with good sexual health: * Arginine is an amino acid that is needed for sexual development and growth. It is found in protein foods such as dairy and animal products. * Zinc is the most important mineral for
Arginine Foods - Are You Ready to Give Your Diet the Bird?
Re you ready to give your diet the bird?See how arginine foods like turkey can help your fitness soar.
What is Arginine?
So what is arginine and why do you need it in your diet? To better understand this amino acid, let's begin with a quick summary of proteins.
Protein is comprised of amino acids. Of the 20 amino acids used in building protein, eight of them can't be made by the human body. These are called the essential amino acids , and for good reason - without them in your diet you would die.
During any given day, your body is constantly making new protein. Yet if one of these key amino acids is missing, your body will immediately begin tearing down existing muscle tissue to fuel protein production.
Because of this, you can see why you want to have adequate low fat proteins in your diet to preserve existing muscle mass.
And where is the best place to find these low fat proteins?
Your food.
Arginine Rich Foods
While arginine isn't one of the eight essential amino acids required for protein production, its importance in muscle building and the preservation of muscle mass is universally recognized.
And the benefits of arginine don't stop there:
Arginine for erections. Foods rich in the amino acid arginine have been shown to effectively treat erectile dysfunction.
Arginine sexual effects. Want to put some sizzle between your sheets? Research shows arginine can boost libido and sexual desire.
Arginine for a healthy heart and immune system. Nitric oxide is crucial for the support of your cardiovascular and immune system. And which amino acid is the chief source for creating nitric oxide? Arginine.
Photo courtesy of gamene
Foods High in Arginine
So which foods high in arginine should you include in your diet? One of your best food choices rich in this key amino acid is turkey.
Just 70g of roasted turkey breast provides 20g of protein, with 63% of its calories coming from protein - proving a turkey isn't only for xmas, but is a superior source of quality protein.
In Summary
Are you ready to give your diet the bird?
Discover how arginine foods like turkey can help your fitness soar.
Foods High In Arginine - Bookshelf
The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
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Foods High In Arginine Amino Acids | LIVESTRONG.COM
Foods High In Arginine Amino Acids. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. Although the body normally manufactures arginine, supplements are sometimes ...
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