Nitric oxide is a molecule that the body produces to help its 50 trillion cells communicate with each other by transmitting signals throughout the entire body.
There have been over 60,000 studies done on nitric oxide in the last 20 years. In 1998, three scientists won the Nobel Prize for Medicine for discovering the critical role of signaling that nitric oxide has.
Recommended: Discover How HeartBeet Complete Can Help Boost Your Nitric Oxide Levels
Nitric Oxide
One reason that nitric oxide has received so much attention is due to its cardiovascular benefits. In fact, nitric oxide is vital for a healthy cardiovascular system. The endothelium, or lining of the blood vessels, produces nitric oxide and is highly responsive to healthy heart habits. There are two ways to increase the nitric oxide in your body; one is through exercise, and the other is through diet, specifically by consuming the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline.
These are both ways to develop healthy heart habits–by what you eat and how often you exercise. The opposite is true, as well. A poor diet and lack of exercise cause the levels of nitric oxide to plummet and plaque to build up in the blood vessels. Too much plaque leads to the condition of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Nitric Oxide and Cholesterol
Lowering LDL cholesterol levels helps increase nitric oxide. Studies show that L-arginine may be able to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. They also can lower total cholesterol levels by up to 7% and triglycerides by up to 6%. Also, other studies showed the HDL or “good” cholesterol levels were increased by 9%.
Therefore, to both lower the risk of heart disease and have a healthy heart, everyone should be keeping an eye on their cholesterol levels, eating a heart-healthy diet, and making sure that they are getting enough exercise.
