Can a natural substance be more effective than conventional drugs in preventing heart attacks and strokes?
According to several scientific studies, it seems to be possible.
But how exactly does this work?
First, it is essential to understand what nitric oxide is.
Nitric oxide is a molecule produced naturally in our body, essential for maintaining healthy blood circulation.
It is generated in various cells of our body using an amino acid called L-arginine.
The main role of nitric oxide is to relax and open our blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.
In addition, nitric oxide helps prevent the formation of blood clots and the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, crucial factors in reducing the risk of stroke.
HOW IT WORKS
Nitric oxide is a messenger molecule produced mainly by the cells of the endothelium, which is a smooth, soft tissue that lines the inside of blood vessels.
Nitric oxide attaches to the right place in the endothelium (the smooth tissue of the blood vessels) and triggers a chemical reaction, which helps prevent heart disease and stroke by stimulating the production of nitric oxide….
1. Expand blood vessels.
Nitric oxide protects blood vessels from hardening, allowing blood to flow better.
According to a study published in the journal Hypertension, nitric oxide supplementation showed a significant reduction in blood pressure in patients with hypertension, with an average decrease of 4 to 6 mm Hg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 60 minutes of treatment.
This ability to improve vascular health not only helps control blood pressure, but may also contribute to better overall cardiovascular health and quality of life.
2. Monitor platelet function.
Platelets are cell fragments in the blood that can clump together and form blood clots, the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Nitric oxide not only helps to expand blood vessels, but also has a positive impact on platelet function.
According to recent studies, nitric oxide acts as a key regulator in preventing excessive platelet aggregation.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation has shown that elevated levels of nitric oxide can significantly reduce clot formation by keeping platelets in a state less prone to clumping.
This natural anticoagulant effect not only helps prevent dangerous clots, but also contributes to a healthier circulation and a reduced likelihood of serious cardiovascular events.
By keeping platelet function in check, you can support optimal cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiac complications.
3. Reduce arterial plaque.
The buildup of arterial plaque, formed by fatty deposits inside the arteries, is a major cause of heart disease.
This plaque can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Recent studies have shown that nitric oxide helps reduce arterial plaque formation by inhibiting the passage of monocytes, a type of immune cell, into the arterial wall.
According to a study published in Circulation Research, nitric oxide can reduce inflammation in the arteries, which in turn decreases plaque buildup and improves circulation.
This anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect not only helps keep arteries clean and flexible, but also reduces the risk of heart disease.
In short, maintaining good levels of nitric oxide can improve your circulation and the health of all your arteries.
4. Reduce cholesterol by 70%.
A recent study, published in Cell Reports, shows that increasing nitric oxide production can reduce LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) in animal models by up to 70%.
This research, conducted by a team from Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, reveals that nitric oxide not only dilates blood vessels, but also inhibits a protein called PCSK9, which is key in cholesterol regulation.
Nitric oxide works by reducing PCSK9 levels, which in turn increases the amount of LDL receptors in the liver and improves the removal of cholesterol from the blood.
This discovery could mean a significant reduction in the need for statin drugs, potentially reducing their use by 50% or more, as observed in previous studies on cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
So incorporating strategies that increase nitric oxide production may be the answer to all your prayers if you are looking for a natural and safe way to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of stroke.
HOW TO INCREASE NITRIC OXIDE LEVELS
Beginning in early adulthood, nitric oxide levels gradually decline, probably due to endothelial cell damage caused by factors such as a diet rich in ultra-processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle.
Nitric oxide cannot be taken as a dietary supplement because it is a gas.
However, eating certain foods can help increase nitric oxide levels in the body.
These include dark green leafy vegetables, beets, garlic and ginger, citrus fruits, nuts and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna.
Antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, cherries, cranberries and strawberries can also help support nitric oxide production.
The amino acid L-Arginine present in meats, grains and fish, passes into the blood through the intestines.
From the blood it enters the endothelial cells, where it is used to produce nitric oxide.
It is difficult to get enough L-arginine from food alone, so it is advisable to take a high quality supplement.
A Mayo Clinic study showed that people taking an L-arginine supplement experience significant improvement in endothelial function and blood flow.
To get all the benefits of L-Arginine and maximize nitric oxide production, Optimized L-Arginine is an excellent choice.
This supplement not only provides 5,200mg of L-arginine, but also the antioxidants needed to support optimal cardiovascular health and healthy blood flow.
Now, let me tell you something that nutritional supplement companies don’t want you to know: L-arginine, when taken alone, is not well absorbed into cells. For it to really work, it needs to be combined with another amino acid called L-citrulline and antioxidants.
Although melons and cucumbers are good sources of L-citrulline, they do not contain enough to significantly increase nitric oxide levels in your body.
That’s why the combination of L-arginine in proper doses, along with L-citrulline and key antioxidants (which I’ll mention below), is the perfect formula for increasing nitric oxide production and maximizing the benefits to your cardiovascular health. And that’s exactly what Optimized L-Arginine delivers.
Here are the essential antioxidants that make this formula the ideal choice to reduce the risk of stroke:
Thisamino acid acts as a potent antioxidant that protects your cells from oxidative stress. In addition, it is converted into L-arginine within the body, which is then transformed into nitric oxide.
L-citrulline not only helps improve circulation by opening blood vessels, but also raises antioxidant levels, reduces muscle damage and fatigue caused by exercise.
Resveratrol: This potent antioxidant not only helps increase nitric oxide production in the endothelium, improving circulation and vascular health, but is also an effective and safe compound to combat aging and age-related diseases.
Vitamin D: In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin D is important for cardiovascular health. It helps strengthen the endothelium, allowing blood to flow freely and reducing the damaging effects of inflammation. In addition, its ability to increase nitric oxide production helps keep blood vessels strong and flexible, improving circulation and protecting heart and brain health.
Folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12: A 2018 study found that, when L-arginine is combined with folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, it can significantly boost nitric oxide release.
This complex of B vitamins not only supports nitric oxide production, but also offers antioxidant properties, helping to protect your cells from oxidative stress. This combination is especially beneficial for adults ages 40 to 65 with high blood pressure.
Vitamin E. This potent vitamin acts as a shield against free radicals, protecting endothelial tissue cells from oxidative damage. By keeping these cells healthy, vitamin E not only fights inflammation, but also helps increase nitric oxide levels, thus improving cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C. Similar to vitamin E, vitamin C is a key antioxidant that reduces oxidation in blood vessels. This not only strengthens arterial walls, but also boosts nitric oxide production, and improves circulation.
Studies have shown that people who consume high levels of vitamin C see a significant reduction in arterial plaque, a critical factor in maintaining healthy nitric oxide levels.
Although you can get vitamin C through food, supplements are a convenient and effective option to make sure you are getting the optimal amount daily.
DIET AND EXERCISE
In addition to taking these nutrients, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, watching what you eat and being active every day.
Exercise: Do aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, 3 days a week. This stimulates endothelial cells to produce more nitric oxide continuously, even on days you don’t exercise.
Eat vegetables rich in nitrates: Nitrates, present in vegetables such as celery, lettuce, beets, and spinach, are powerful little allies for your health. When you eat these foods, nitrates are converted into nitric oxide.
Eat more fiber: Dietary fiber in grains, fruits and vegetables helps lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol, thus protecting endothelial cells.
Antioxidants: Fiber-rich foods like apples, pears, broccoli and blueberries are also loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative damage and maintain nitric oxide levels in your body.
Hydration: Don’t forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to ensure that the fiber moves properly through your body and maximize its benefits.
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References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/drugs-supplements-l-arginine/art-20364681
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/natural/875.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318174.php
Mechanisms of ATP release and signalling in the blood vessel wall | Cardiovascular Research | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
JCI – Nitric oxide released from activated platelets inhibits platelet recruitment.
Acute effects of an oral nitric oxide supplement on blood pressure, endothelial function, and vascular compliance in hypertensive patients – PubMed (nih.gov)
https://www.harringtondiscovery.org/news-media/2022/11/17/cleveland-researchers-discover-new-oral-drug-for-lowering-cholesterol