What foods contain nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide is essential for the body to work correctly. Increasing the amount of nitric oxide your body produces can easily be done by eating the right foods with the right nutrients and vitamins.

When doing research it’s important to also look nitric oxide up by its scientific name, arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate (AAKG).

While eating foods to increase nitric oxide is beneficial, sometimes it can be difficult to consume that many vitamins and minerals in food alone.

For those who have a strict diet or just don’t have the time, supplements that contain essential vitamins and minerals for nitric oxide production can be used.

According to an article in Reader’s Digest, not having enough nitric oxide is the number one culprit in heart disease risks.

Some of the other culprits in heart disease, such as lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol all damage the endothelium. When the endothelium is damaged it doesn’t make enough nitric oxide.

Most of the other health disease risks like smoking can be mitigated by proper nutrition and exercise. By doing this the endothelium can be repaired. With a healed endothelium comes a better chance of not suffering from heart disease.

Of course, a healthy diet is only part of the equation; regular exercise is important too. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more. 

Are There Certain Foods That Contain More Nitric Oxide Than Others?

There are several foods that can help with the production of nitric oxide. Some will help with the release of nitric oxides more than other foods. It’s usually in direct correlation with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are packed in the foods.

Vitamin C is great when it comes to increasing the natural production of nitric oxide. Oranges are packed full of vitamin C. Some other foods that have vitamin C are peas, mangos, kiwi, strawberries and broccoli.

Vitamin E rich foods are also a great source of food to have on hand when trying to increase nitric oxide production. Some of the best sources of vitamin E are the following:

• Corn, olive, safflower, and sunflower oils
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Nuts
• Soft margarine
• Watercress
• Brussels sprouts
• Mangoes
• Tomatoes
• Avocados

Food rich in fiber is very important as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the best foods with fiber are whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.

What Are Some Other Ways to Get More Nitric Oxide in Your Body?

While eating the right foods is very beneficial when it comes to nitric oxide production, exercise is essential as well. Cardio activity is great for circulation and nitric oxide production. By doing 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to five days a week you can help your body with its nitric oxide production naturally.

What exercise does is stimulate the cells to continuously produce nitric oxide even on those days you don’t work out. With this as a natural booster, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll be healthier.

On top of eating the above healthy foods packed full of essential vitamins, exercise is great for producing more nitric oxide. If you do some sort of cardio activity for 20 minutes or more three to five days a week you’ll increase your nitric oxide naturally.

Exercise helps to stimulate cells so that they can continuously produce nitric oxide and even on days you don’t work out.

Are There Any Side Effects of Increasing Your Nitric Oxide in the Body?

There are no known side effects to the body’s naturally produced nitric oxide. However, there are synthetic nitric oxide supplements out there as well.

These supplements do have some known side effects that are short term. Some of them include vasodilation, an increase in herpes virus outbreaks (for those with the virus already) and other short term side effects that are less severe.

Some of the less severe side effects include headaches, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea and an increase in heart rate. Several of these side effects can be subdued by drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest.

While eating foods rich in the vitamins and minerals that are essential to nitric oxide production is important it can be challenging. There are supplements other than nitric oxide that you may want to consider, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber supplements. Knowing that you’re getting the recommended daily amount can be very beneficial.

Again, exercise is great for naturally increasing nitric oxide in the body. Not only is it great for that, but exercise improves circulation, improves mood and strengthens your body’s muscles and bones. Go PRO today to find a workout plan that fits your schedule and allows you to reach your goals.