Nitric Oxide Supplements Benefits for Health

Nitric oxide is a gas that open ups the blood vessels increases blood flow, and reduces blood pressure. So, it's why supplements that increase nitric oxide production can benefit in managing specific health issues. 

The human body naturally produces nitric oxide, one of the vital molecules the blood vessels need to maintain their health. It enables vasodilation, which relaxes the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels. As a result, the blood vessels widen, improving blood flow and reducing high blood pressure. 

Today, many people take supplements to increase nitric oxide in their bodies. These supplements are trendy. But, these supplements do not contain nitric oxide as they help in its production in our body. 

This article will teach you about nitric oxide supplements' 5 health and performance benefits. 

Treat Erectile Dysfunction

 Erectile dysfunction is a sexual fault in which a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. L-citrulline is an amino acid. It may help treat erectile dysfunction(impotence) by increasing nitric oxide production in the body. 

 Nitric oxide stimulates the erectile tissues and blood vessels present around the penis. Thus, the improved blood flow to these vessels and chambers inside the penis helps it to erect.

 In a study published in 2011, researchers found that L-citrulline was effective in improving erection hardening in 12 people with mild symptoms of ED. But they also concluded that L-citrulline was less effective than the prescription drugs for Ed, such as Sildenafil Tablets or Tadalafil medicines. 

 But L-citrulline proved has proved to be safe and generally well tolerated. Also, two other nitric-oxide-boosting supplements have shown some levels of improvement in the treatment of Ed. It includes amino acid L-arginine and French maritime pine bark extract. 

 In several older studies, the researchers found that combining these two supplements has significantly improved sexual function in people with Ed. Taking them together also appears to be safe. 

May decrease muscle soreness

Citrulline malate, a kind of L-citrulline, can help increase nitric oxide and lessens muscle soreness. Condition like muscle soreness appears after intense or unfamiliar exercise; you might feel uncomfortable. 

After you exercise, you might feel soreness in your muscle, known as delayed-onset muscle soreness. It usually feels the strongest after 24 to 72 hours of intense exercise. 

In a study conducted in 2010, 41 people were randomly selected to take 8 grams of Citrulline malate or a placebo. All these 41 people took it 1 hour before performing repetitions on flat barbell bench presses as many as possible for them. And as a result, people who took citrulline malate reported 40% less muscle soreness at 24 and 48 hours after the exercise. It was comparatively less than those who took the placebo. 

Citrulline malate helps produce nitric oxide, which improves blood flow to active muscles. It also helps deliver nutrients and remove waste products like ammonia and lactate, which cause muscle fatigue. 

A later study found that citrulline malate can't help muscle soreness after leg exercises. It was not able to improve muscle soreness 72 hours after intense exercise. So, the ability of citrulline malate to decrease muscle soreness may depend on factors like dose, exercise, and timing. Yet, it may need more research to determine its use and recommendation.

Boosts exercise performance

Nitric oxide is part of many cell processes in our body. It helps widen the blood vessels, generally known as vasodilation. When you exercise, your blood vessels get wider, which helps deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. As a result, it helps improves your performance. It's why nitric oxide supplements are popular among athletes and recreational gym-goers. 

Many people believe that these supplements have ingredients that increase nitric oxide levels. These supplements include elements like nitrate or amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline.

Many researchers have proven nitrate enhances performance in athletes, including cyclists, runners, swimmers, and kayakers. However, if we talk about L-arginine, then, according to many studies, it has not shown any improvement in exercise performance. According to one older study, it is because the L-arginine is metabolized or broken down before reaching the bloodstream.

Lowers blood pressure

People who face high blood pressure may have difficulty using nitric oxide in their bodies. A condition like high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the arteries wall is consistently too high.

High blood pressure appears when the systolic reading is above 130 mmHg and the diastolic reading is above 80 mmHg. Over time, it may lead to the risk of other health issues such as heart-related disease and kidney disease. 

Fruits and vegetables in diet have been shown to decrease blood pressure and lower disease risk. 

It led many researchers to test how compounds in fruits and vegetables affect blood pressure levels. 

Flavonoids

Flavonoids have powerful antioxidant properties in almost all fruits and vegetables. 

According to some studies, an increase in the intake of flavonoids could reduce the risk of high blood pressure. 

Researchers also believe that flavonoids not only increase the production of nitric oxide but also decrease its breakdown. Such action promotes higher levels of nitric oxide in the body overall. 

However, a few studies have turned up disagreeing its potential benefits. For example, A review of 15 studies found that eating fruits with flavonoids did not affect adults' blood pressure. 

Nitrate

You may obtain nitrate from beetroots and dark leafy greens like spinach and arugula. 

When we intake nitrate, our body changes it to nitric oxide. As you have read, nitric oxide makes the blood vessels relax and widen, lowering blood pressure. 

 According to several studies, dietary nitrate may help lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production in the body.

 A review of 22 studies showed that older adults who took nitrate supplements had lower blood pressure. And similar effects were noted in a review of 43 studies that drank beetroot juice.

May help manage Type 2 Diabetes

People with type-2 diabetes can face a reduction in the production of Nitric oxide. It leads to poor blood vessel health and the risk of certain conditions. Over time it may contribute to high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease. Thus, Supplements that increase nitric oxide can play an essential role in preventing risk factors for diabetes. 

A review of 10 studies found that L-arginine supplements can reduce insulin levels in people without diabetes. 

Another study published in 2012 showed that 144 people noticed the effects of L-arginine. It shows results like preventing and delaying the progression of Type 2 diabetes in consumers. But L-arginine does not prevent the development of diabetes in people. In contrast, it may increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control. 

However, other researchers found no effects of L-arginine on fasting blood levels. Also unable to control blood sugar in people facing diabetes. 

It is too early to recommend taking L-arginine supplements for diabetes. More evidence and research are needed to support its benefits for treating and managing the condition.