Nitric oxide (NO) is so beneficial for your health! Here are ten nitric oxide foods that naturally stimulate NO in your body.
Nitric Oxide Foods
Beets
Beets are one of the best foods that you can eat if you want to boost your NO production. They are extremely high in nitrates. Nitrates are natural chemicals that your body changes into nitric oxide. So, when you’re eating beets, you’re essentially eating nitric oxide! If you don’t like beets, you can always supplement your body’s natural nitric oxide production with HeartBeet Complete, a beetroot powder supplement!
Citrus Fruits
Fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, a vital vitamin for your health! Vitamin C helps nitric oxide by increasing its bioavailability and absorption into the body.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is more than just a yummy treat—it’s full of naturally occurring compounds called flavanols. According to Healthline, “research shows that the flavanols found in cocoa can help establish optimal levels of nitric oxide in your body to promote heart health and protect cells against oxidative damage.”
Garlic
Garlic boosts nitric oxide levels by activating nitric oxide synthase. It aids in the conversion of the amino acid l-arginine to nitric oxide. So head over to your favorite Italian restaurant and bring on the garlic bread!
Leafy greens
Leafy greens like arugula, cabbage, kale, and spinach are full of nitrates. As discussed before, nitrates convert into nitric oxide!
Meat
Poultry, meat, and seafood contain high levels of coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10), which is an important compound that plays a role in preserving nitric oxide in the body. Meat is very nutritious, but eat it sparingly as some types of meat are linked to cardiovascular diseases
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in l-arginine, which is a natural nitric oxide producer. Research suggests that including arginine from foods like nuts and seeds can help increase nitric oxide in your body.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. Studies show that pomegranate juice and pomegranate fruit were able to increase nitric oxide synthase and boost the concentration of nitrates in the blood.
Red Wine
One test-tube study showed that cells containing red wine experience increased levels of nitric oxide synthase, which suggests that red wine intake links with elevated levels of nitric oxide.
Watermelon
Watermelon is very high in citrulline, which is an amino acid that is converted into nitric oxide in the body. Studies show that citrulline supplements help stimulate nitric oxide synthesis for a few hours after intake. However, they may not be beneficial in the long term.
