Foods That Maximize Nitric Oxide

In today’s post I’m going to help you discover foods that maximize nitric oxide production in your body. In a previous video I shared that there are two primary pathways for the creation of nitric oxide. They are:

The Nitrate Nitrite Pathway

The Endothelial Pathway

Both of these pathways are valid for the creation of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that is used by your vascular system to improve blood flow. This molecule has three primary benefits:

First is vasodilation, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels so that they expand. This improves the deliver of oxygen and nutrients as well as aids in the removal of cellular waste.

This expansion of the blood vessels can be a natural way to lower blood pressure back into the normal range.

Additionally, men cannot have an erection without nitric oxide so sexual health is also dependent on your nitric oxide levels.

Second, nitric oxide keeps blood platelet cells from sticking together, which naturally reduces your risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Third, nitric oxide helps to initiate repair mechanisms to keep the lining of your vascular system healthy and functioning.

(If you would prefer to view this information in a video format, then please click on my YouTube video below:)

Now the ingredients needed for each pathway are different.

Let’s start with the Nitrate Nitrite Pathway. Here you want to choose foods that are high in nitrates.

Nitrates are converted to nitrites in your body. These nitrites are then used for the creation of nitric oxide.

Arugula is a good choice. Of all the types of lettuce, this provides the highest source of nitrates. However, it’s a bit bitter to the taste so many people will opt for spinach.

Now you want fresh spinach, not canned spinach.

Beets are also rich in dietary nitrates.

If you don’t like the taste of beets, then used either a beetroot juice supplement or just plain beetroot powder.

Many processed meats like Ham, Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Deli Meat are high in nitrates. However, when you get your nitrates through processed meats you increase your risk that these types of nitrates can formed harmful nitrite compounds within your body.

Which means that if you want to harness the Nitrate Nitrite Pathway, then consume the three plant based choices I’ve given you.

While the Nitrate Nitrite Pathway for the creation of nitric oxide is a valid pathway, it is limited in its food choices.

Which brings us the The Endothelial Pathway for the creation of nitric oxide.

The endothelium is a one-celled lining of your entire vascular system. This tissue regulates most of your cardiovascular health.

Contained in this endothelium are enzymes called eNOS, which converts the amino acid L-arginine into nitric oxide.

There are two amino acids that are key to long term production of nitric oxide. They are L-arginine and L-citrulline.

When it comes to L-arginine there are a wide range of food choices.

Most meats contain a fair amount of L-arginine but the three best sources are turkey, pork loin, and chicken.

Most nuts contain L-arginine with the two best sources being walnuts and peanuts.

If you like pumpkin seeds, then use this healthy snack to load up on L-arginine.

If you’re into healthy smoothies, then use Pea Protein instead of whey protein since Pea Protein contains 3 times the amount of L-arginine.

Additionally, spirulina, which is a type of blue-green algae, is high in L-arginine and can easily be added to your smoothie.

Chickpeas and lentils are also good sources of L-arginine.

When it comes to L-citrulline, the only good natural source is watermelon. However, 60 percent of more of the L-citrulline is contained in the rind portion, which most people end up throwing away. So either juice the rind portion with the rest of the watermelon. Or added it to your blender for your health smoothie.

An additional way to increase nitric oxide production through The Endothelial Pathway is to enhance the eNOS enzymes that are necessary for the conversion of L-arginine to nitric oxide.

The following ingredient are outstanding in helping you do this:

Any citrus that contains high amounts of Vitamin C

Pomegranate and Pomegranate Fruit Concentrate

Dark skin fruits like blueberries and grapes are high in polyphenols that enhance the enzymatic activity to the eNOS enzymes.

Garlic also helps boost the enzymatic activity of these eNOS enzymes.

As you can see you have a large number of food options to enhance your ability to create nitric oxide through The Endothelial Pathway.

And this pathway works for all people in all age categories.

Blessing Lives Through Nitric Oxide Therapy!

Dan Hammer