Citrulline and nitric oxide both play therapeutic roles in the course of your diet, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Eating foods that promote the health of your heart helps lower your blood pressure and your risk of having a heart attack as well. Both of these ingredients help to keep your arteries unclogged and increase their dilation, which in turn allows your blood to flow more freely, reducing the pressure. If you plan on changing your diet to include more nitric oxide and L-citrulline, talk to your physician first and get his opinion.
Sources of Citrulline
L-citrulline, a nonessential amino acid in your body, helps clear out toxins while enhancing your body's circulation. Think of this amino acid as a helper for your liver in ridding your body of the free radicals and phosphates your kidneys do not need. Extra phosphates and chemicals cause your kidneys to work harder and in time cause long-term damage. This nutrient's antioxidant effects remain powerful against cancer and promote a healthier-functioning human body. You can ingest L-citrulline by eating fresh fish; meats; eggs; most dairy products, including milk; and foods that contain high levels of protein.
Nitric Oxide-Rich Foods
Your body needs nitric oxide to help keep your blood vessels open and free of clogging plaque, ReadersDigest.com reports. By avoiding foods high in fat such as fried chicken, for instance, you can reduce the amount of clogging in your blood vessels. Arginine, an amino acid, helps build the amount of nitric oxide in your body. By eating foods rich in this substance you will enhance your nitric oxide stores. Your body will absorb the nitric oxide it needs to promote better circulation and better heart-pumping quality. Your diet should enhance a healthy heart and eating meats low in fats and eating more poultry will help. Fish, another good source of arginine, promotes lower blood pressure and increased dilation of your blood vessels. In combination with other protein-rich amino acids your circulation will increase, causing you to feel more energetic.
Soy-Rich Foods
Soy-rich foods contain both citrulline and arginine. This rich protein product can be consumed in various ways such as in soy milk and soybean veggie burgers. Use soy sauce on your Asian recipes, but avoid excess amounts because of the high salt content.
Avoiding High Fats and Salt
Avoid consuming increased amounts of salty foods and food high in fat, HealthVitaminsGuide.com suggests. These types of foods will interfere with your amino acid absorption and will increase your blood pressure. Salt also narrows your blood vessels, decreasing circulation.
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