Dilating or widening blood vessels increases blood flow throughout the body, which can improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Evidence indicates that certain foods boost the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that relaxes and dilates blood vessels in the body.
Watermelon
Watermelon's high levels of phytonutrients, especially citrulline, might help dilate blood vessels, according to Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A & M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. Scientists found that watermelon contains citrulline, which is converted to arginine in the body. Arginine boosts nitrixc oxide production, thereby dilating blood vessels. Watermelon's ability to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow might be comparable to Viagra, according to the Science Daily website. Citrulline is found in higher amounts in the rinds rather than the flesh of watermelon.
Garlic
Garlic's ingredients, including alliin and allyl disulfide, might boost nitric production in the body. Adam Mousa led a team of researchers from Albany College of Pharmacy who examined the effects of garlic supplements plus vitamin C on patients with mild high blood pressure. Scientists observed that participants taking garlic supplements plus vitamin C experienced significant decreases in blood pressure compared to the control group. Researchers stated that garlic alone increased nitric oxide production and that it was enhanced by vitamin C, according to research reported in the February 2007 issue of the journal "Nutrition Research."
Walnuts
The amino acid arginine is a precursor to the synthesis of nitric oxide, according to research published in the October 2004 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition." Incorporate arginine rich foods such as peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, soybeans and sesame seeds, into your daily diet in order to increase nitric oxide production and dilation of blood vessels.
