7 Nitric Oxide Boosting Foods for Better Health

Nitric oxide is a crucial signaling molecule in the body that provides numerous health benefits. By incorporating certain foods into your diet, you can naturally boost your nitric oxide levels and improve your overall wellbeing. Here are 7 powerful nitric oxide-boosting foods to add to your meals:

1. Beets

Beets are one of the best dietary sources of nitrates, which get converted to nitric oxide in the body. Studies show that consuming beets or beetroot juice can increase nitric oxide levels by 21% within just 3 hours.

The benefits of beets for nitric oxide production include:

• Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Better athletic performance and muscle recovery

To incorporate more beets in your diet:

• Blend raw beets into smoothies
• Roast beets and add to salads
• Make borscht (traditional beet soup)
• Sauté beet greens as a side dish

Beet greens are also highly nutritious, containing vitamin C, vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin to support eye health.

2. Garlic

Garlic activates nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme that produces nitric oxide from amino acids in the body. Aged or fermented garlic appears to be even more potent for boosting nitric oxide levels.

The benefits of garlic for nitric oxide include:

• Dilated blood vessels
• Lowered blood pressure
• Reduced LDL cholesterol
• Enhanced immune function

To get the most nitric oxide-boosting benefits from garlic:

• Use fresh, crushed garlic in cooking
• Try black garlic in soups and stews
• Take aged garlic supplements

3. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavanols that stimulate nitric oxide production in the body. Look for chocolate with at least 80% cacao content for the most benefits.

The nitric oxide-boosting effects of dark chocolate include:

• Improved blood flow
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhanced stem cell production

Ways to enjoy dark chocolate:

• Pair a small piece with coffee
• Add cacao powder to smoothies
• Mix dark chocolate into homemade trail mix

4. Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols called ellagitannins that help preserve nitric oxide levels in the body by protecting it from breakdown.

The benefits of pomegranate for nitric oxide include:

• Improved circulation
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhanced immune function

To incorporate pomegranate:

• Drink 8 oz of pure pomegranate juice daily
• Add pomegranate seeds to salads and yogurt
• Use pomegranate molasses in dressings and marinades

5. Tea

Both green and black tea contain compounds that boost nitric oxide production. Green tea has catechins while black tea contains theaflavins.

The nitric oxide benefits of tea include:

• Dilated blood vessels
• Improved blood flow
• Lower blood pressure

To maximize the benefits:

• Drink 3-4 cups of tea daily
• Use loose leaf tea to avoid microplastics from tea bags
• Try matcha green tea powder for a more potent dose

6. Leafy Greens

Many leafy green vegetables are rich in dietary nitrates that get converted to nitric oxide in the body. The top nitrate-rich greens include:

1. Arugula
2. Bok choy
3. Rhubarb
4. Lettuce
5. Spinach

The nitric oxide benefits of leafy greens include:

• Improved blood flow
• Enhanced exercise performance
• Better cognitive function

To incorporate more leafy greens:

• Add arugula to salads and sandwiches
• Stir-fry bok choy with garlic and oyster sauce
• Use lettuce wraps instead of bread

7. Watermelon

Watermelon contains an amino acid called L-citrulline that gets converted to L-arginine in the body, which is then used to produce nitric oxide.

The nitric oxide benefits of watermelon include:

• Improved oxygen delivery to muscles
• Enhanced exercise performance
• Better blood flow

To get the most benefits:

• Eat watermelon with the white rind intact
• Juice watermelon with the rind
• Make watermelon gazpacho soup

By incorporating these 7 nitric oxide-boosting foods into your regular diet, you can support better cardiovascular health, cognitive function, exercise performance, and overall wellbeing. Remember to pair these foods with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for optimal results.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So8X0FUGy7k