Do you struggle with a lack of energy or poor blood flow?
As you get older, your energy fades faster.
It is important that you combat this energy loss and remain as physically active as you can.
That’s where increasing the nitric oxide levels can come in handy.
The body naturally produces nitric oxide, which helps relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Because of this, nitric oxide is a popular addition to pre-workout supplements that promise to increase endurance and strength.
The question is, how can you increase nitric oxide naturally?
Some of the most popular nitric oxide foods include beets, leafy greens, pomegranates, and citrus fruits. If you don’t consume them regularly, then it is a good idea to get them through juicing.
Here you can learn more about the four drinks that will directly boost nitric oxide naturally.
What is nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide is a free radical and a gas, which is very important for overall health and wellness. Normal nitric oxide production is crucial for brain function and the health of the cardiovascular and immune system.
This compound works as a signaling molecule or retrograde neurotransmitter between nerve cells. It also interacts with almost every system in the human body.
But, the body’s ability to create nitric oxide declines with age. So, it is important to get nitric oxide from food and drinks.
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What are the benefits of nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in countless cell processes. It regulates oxygen transportation to muscles and also has a vasodilating effect.
It achieves that by opening and relaxing the blood vessels, which, in turn, improves blood supply.
The better the blood flow, the easier it is to manage blood pressure. Without enough nitric oxide, the body has trouble transporting the blood, oxygen, and nutrients you eat to every section efficiently and effectively.
Nitric oxide could help with:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Exercise performance
- Muscle soreness
- Energy production
- Insulin production
- Blood pressure levels
Many animal studies talk about the importance of normal nitric oxide levels. Research suggests that a diet high in veggies and fruits can help you avoid some heart problems and health conditions.
To do that, it is important to steer clear of foods that deplete nitric oxide. This includes foods high in saturated fat, processed goodies, too much sugar, and high-starch foods.
A nitric oxide supplement might help you keep the levels in check if you are lacking nitric oxide in food.
Four drinks that will directly boost nitric oxide
Switching up your diet can set your overall health on the right track. Some drinks are better at boosting nitric oxide production than others.
They can help you rehydrate the body and make the most of the nitric oxide health benefits. Here is a list of the four drinks that will directly boost nitric oxide.
1) Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice increases nitric oxide levels, research shows. Beets are packed with dietary nitrates that the body can use to convert to nitric oxide.
According to a 2018 study, just 45 minutes after consumption, a beetroot juice supplement increased nitric oxide levels by about 21%.
Nitric oxide present in beets supplements can help with swelling and blood flow. Booth beetroots might also help curb blood pressure and make exercising easier. So, these red foods and drinks are definitely something worth adding to your diet.
2) Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice improves the biological actions of nitric oxide. The juice also protects nitric oxide against oxidative destruction.
It is a rich source of strong flavonoid antioxidants. According to a human study, pomegranates have a high concentration of nitrates and polyphenols.
Therefore, pomegranates can be useful for increasing the delivery of oxygen and blood. When you use these fruits in juice, you can maintain healthy circulation. This is crucial for normal erectile function and a better sex drive.
Pomegranates are teeming with antioxidants, which can benefit both the female and male bodies. Although more research is needed, these fruits contain folic acid that might improve reproductive health.
So, if you want to naturally boost nitric oxide, then you should add these fruits to your nitric oxide drinks.
3) Green juice
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, cabbage, and arugula are excellent foods for nitric oxide. You can also use them to make a strong nitric oxide drink.
Broccoli comes in a little lower than the other leafy greens, but it still has a good nitrate content. In 100g of broccoli, you get around 39.5 mg of nitrates, which the body can later convert into nitric oxide.
Not only can these vegetables increase nitric oxide, but they can also help improve your fitness levels and blood vessels and give your body a quick energy boost. Other vegetables high in nitric oxide you can experiment with are carrots and Swiss Chard.
4) Citrus juice
Want to know how to increase nitric oxide? Citrus fruits, like grapefruit, limes, lemons, and oranges, are a key source of vitamin C.
This vitamin can improve nitric oxide production by amplifying its bioavailability and increasing its absorption.
Research shows that citrus fruits are some of the best nitrate oxide foods. They can decrease blood pressure levels, curb the risk of heart problems, and boost brain function.
All of these benefits might be because fruits play an important part in natural nitric oxide production.
Another important benefit of vitamin C is that this antioxidant can help take care of some of the free radicals in the body. This means it could be useful for fighting inflammation. According to experts, vitamin C could decrease bruising and prevent blood clots.
If you want another hydrating drink with high vitamin C content, then you can opt for cucumber juice. It also has potassium, magnesium, and vitamins K and A.
Remember, the amount you drink matters. So, talk to a nutritionist or dietitian if you need help managing your diet and food intake.
Conclusion
Nitric oxide is an important molecule that impacts plenty of aspects of health. Without a doubt, there are several natural nitric oxide sources.
But, if you are looking for drinks that offer the best source of nitric oxide and will directly boost NO, then go for beets, leafy greens, pomegranates, and citrus fruit drinks. Each of these consumables offers a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals. You can also prepare them in the comfort of your home and add them to your daily diet.