Arginine and citrulline are amino acids that play a vital role in the production of nitric oxide, elimination of ammonia and stimulation of the immune system. Arginine is a semiessential amino acid that is part of proteins --- adults can produce arginine, yet children and adolescents must obtain it from food. Citrulline is made in the body by everyone. Certain foods contain arginine and citrulline.
Chocolate
Increasing your dietary intake of arginine increases blood flow and improves cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and erectile dysfunction. Arginine is found in chocolate, a food product that improves your cardiovascular health. Scientists at Linko Ping University in Sweden found that dark chocolate with a high amount of cocoa inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme and increases nitric oxide production in human endothelial cells, according to research published in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology" in January 2011. Angiotensin-converting enzyme increases blood pressure, while nitric oxide increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure.
Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, contain high concentrations of arginine, a nutrient that increases sperm production and the ability to attain an erection. Increased intake of arginine improves blood flow to support erectile function. Scientists at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, found that arginine and its production of nitric oxide induce penile erection, according to research published in the "International Journal of Impotence Research" in June 2002.
Cucumber
Cucumbers contain citrulline, a nutrient that improves the ability to sustain longer erections. Research by scientists at the University of Foggia in Italy found that ciitrulline is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, according to research published in "Urology" in January 2011. The scientists found that oral supplements of citrulline improved erection hardness and increased the number of monthly episodes of sexual intercourse, compared with placebo. All the men in the group who took the citrulline reported they were all sexually satisfied with the results.
Melons
Melons, such as cantaloupe and watermelon, contain citrulline. Watermelon rind is especially rich in citrulline. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that watermelon rind is a great source of natural citrulline and that yellow- and orange-fleshed watermelons have a higher content of citrulline than red-fleshed watermelons, according to research published in the "Journal of Chromatography A" in June 2005.
References
- The Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International; Proteins / Amino Acids; Mar. 21, 2011
- University of Arizona; The Chemistry of Amino Acids; Sept. 30, 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine; April 1, 2011
- "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology"; Effects of Cocoa Extract and Dark Chocolate on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Nitric Oxide in Human Endothelial Cells and Healthy Volunteers--a Nutrigenomics Perspective; Ingrid Persson, et al.; January 2011
- "International Journal of Impotence Research"; Involvement of L-Arginine/Nitric Oxide Pathway at the Paraventricular Nucleus of Hypothalamus in Central Neural Regulation of Penile Erection in the Rat; K.K. Chen; June 2002
- "Urology"; Citrulline Improves Erection Hardness; Luigi Cormio, et al.; January 2011
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