What is Arugula and Why Should I Eat it?
Arugula is one of the most popular leafy greens. It is often paired with salads, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes. The leafy green is in the top three of the most popular superfoods. A superfood simply means that it is very high in nutritional density. They provide substantial amounts of nutrients in very few calories. Superfoods are beneficial for health and well-being. Leafy greens are one of the superfoods you should eat every day. These greens are full of vitamins A, C, E, and K, and some in B vitamins. Leafy greens in general, contain large amounts of carotenoids, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Arugula is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for our bodies as they assist in fighting off free radicals. Free radicals are a by-product of the body’s metabolism and cause damage to cells. Antioxidants aid in reducing the damage of free radicals. Arugula is a good source of vitamin K, which is important to bone health, along with vitamin A, which is important for the immune system and eye health. Arugula and other leafy green vegetables are great ways to boost Nitric Oxide levels, as they are rich sources of nitrates that convert to Nitric Oxide once consumed. It has ample amounts of vitamin C, along with high amounts of calcium, iron, and zinc.
How do I prepare Arugula?
Arugula can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw arugula is often used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. It is commonly used as a garnish. Cooked arugula is often used in soups, pasta dishes, and stir-fry. To cook arugula, remove the stems and wash the leaves. Cook it by sautéing it in olive oil or it to soups, stews, or stir-fries.
What is the difference between Arugula and Rocket?
Arugula and rocket are the same thing. The name arugula is the American name for the leafy green, while the name rocket is the British name.
Recipes:
Quinoa Arugula Bowl
1 bunch of Arugula
½ cup of cooked brown rice
½ cup of cooked quinoa
½ cup of cooked lentils
½ cup of cooked black beans
¼ cup of walnuts
¼ cup of raisins
¼ cup of sunflower seeds
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of dried cherries
¼ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss.
Serves 4.
Arugula Salad with Shrimp
1 bunch of Arugula
½ cup of cooked brown rice
½ cup of cooked quinoa
½ cup of cooked lentils
½ cup of cooked black beans
¼ cup of walnuts
¼ cup of raisins
¼ cup of sunflower seeds
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of dried cherries
¼ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
½ cup of cooked shrimp
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss.
Serves 4.
Arugula Salad with Chicken
1 bunch of Arugula
½ cup of cooked brown rice
½ cup of cooked quinoa
½ cup of cooked lentils
½ cup of cooked black beans
¼ cup of walnuts
¼ cup of raisins
¼ cup of sunflower seeds
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of dried cherries
¼ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
½ cup of cooked chicken
Directions: Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Toss.
Serves 4.
Arugula Salad with Salmon
1 bunch of Arugula
½ cup of cooked brown rice
½ cup of cooked quinoa
½ cup of cooked lentils
½ cup of cooked black beans
¼ cup of walnuts
¼ cup of raisins
¼ cup of sunflower seeds
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of dried cherries
¼ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
½ cup of cooked salmon
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss.
Serves 4.
Arugula Salad with Tofu
1 bunch of Arugula
½ cup of cooked brown rice
½ cup of cooked quinoa
½ cup of cooked lentils
½ cup of cooked black beans
¼ cup of walnuts
¼ cup of raisins
¼ cup of sunflower seeds
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of dried cherries
¼ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
½ cup of cooked tofu
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss.
Serves 4.
Add whatever protein you desire, or combine all proteins together full the ultimate healthy salad.
Beetroot + Nitric Oxide Q&A
Beetroot is a good source of fiber, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. It has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, increased exercise performance, and improved blood flow.
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a molecule that the body naturally produces, which allows the blood vessels to dilate. This in turn, is responsible for increased circulation and oxygen flow to the muscles. Nitric Oxide is also responsible for improving recovery as it stimulates the production of new muscle cells. This is not possible without adequate blood flow to the muscle.
What is Nitric Oxide and why should I take it with Citrulline? Why is Beetroot also healthy to consume?
L-Citrulline and L-Arginine are used by the body to produce Nitric Oxide. L-Arginine is an amino acid that is necessary for the body to make proteins. Since each of these nutrients converts to nitric oxide at different times, taking them together creates a 3 stage no-boosting effect that lasts longer and works better than taking them alone.
Beetroot contains a range of compounds that increase NO production. Beetroot is also one of the numerous foods that are a very high source of nitrates. As mentioned above beetroot also includes a variety of health benefits on its own.
What are other benefits of Beetroot? Are there any side effects?
Beetroot is high in fiber and contains a number of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Beetroot in large quantities may cause mild side effects but these side effects are very uncommon, and rare. There are no known side effects associated with natural endogenous ( produced inside your body ) Nitric Oxide production.
Is there any interaction with other drugs, food?
Nitric Oxide has no known interactions. However, there are numerous foods that may assist in boosting NO levels, such as arugula and other leafy greens, citrus fruits, watermelon, and even red wine.
Beetroot may lower your blood pressure, but it is uncommon to have an affect with any drugs or foods.
How long until I feel the benefits of Nitric Oxide?
The benefits of NO are felt at different times for everyone. The benefits can typically be seen within 10 weeks of taking a supplement.
Can I use Nitric Oxide when I am about to go to sleep?
Your body’s Nitric Oxide levels are lowest at night. It is advised to take NO before bed since the levels are lower. Boosting NO levels at night may also help with the production of Human Growth Hormone according to sone studies. HGH is highly beneficial and high natural levels are associated with healing and bodily repair.
Can I use Nitric Oxide if I have high blood pressure?
Nitric Oxide helps regulate blood pressure. It relaxes the muscles of your blood vessels, allowing them to dilate. The increase blood flow lowers you blood pressure.
Beetroot works in high amounts for low blood pressure.
Can I use Nitric Oxide if I have diabetes?
NO provides nutritional support for healthy blood sugar levels, cells, insulin levels, vitality, and balance. It stimulates glucose uptake and its oxidation in cells, lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, and reduces insulin resistance and improves insulin sensitivity.
Can I use Nitric Oxide if I am pregnant? Can I use Nitric Oxide while breastfeeding?
NO levels contribute a healthy blood flow to the baby. In regard to breastfeeding, human milk naturally has some nitric oxide, so it is safe. NO is sometimes given to newborns to treat respiratory issues.
Can I use Nitric Oxide if I have high cholesterol?
Nitric Oxide is great for a healthy cardiovascular system. Healthy habits and regular exercise, contribute to lower cholesterol, thus helping increase nitric oxide levels as well.
Does Nitric Oxide work?
Nitric Oxide is a naturally occurring compound in the body. NO is produced in the lining of blood vessels and responsible for dilating the blood vessels. Nitric Oxide promotes the production of new muscle cells, which allows the muscles to receive more oxygen and recover faster. Benefits are different in everyone, but not limited to aiding in healthy; circulation, vitality, digestion, energy, muscle recovery, bones, sex, athletics, vision, and brain function. If you are older your Nitric Oxide levels are decreasing, thus leading to common and chronic diseases. Taking Nitric Oxide supplements can definitely help.
L-Arginine, Everything You Need to Know
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build protein. When you consume foods with amino acids, the body then turns them into proteins, which are a source of energy. It can also help your body produce nitric oxide, and important molecule essential for good health.
How should I take l-arginine?
Clinical practice guidelines recommend that the essential amino acid should be taken with food or a large bottle of water. Do not take arginine with food as it can negatively affect the creation of nitric oxide.
How does l-arginine work?
Arginine is the precursor of Nitric Oxide. NO is produced from amino acids. Nitric Oxide causes blood vessels to widen to improve blood flow throughout the body, great for the cardiovascular system and helping with high blood pressure. Without NO, things such as blood vessel dilation, blood vessel contraction, immune cell function, and penile erection would not be possible. It also plays a key role in the male erection. In the penis, NO relaxes blood vessels and allows for increased blood flow. The result? A solid erection. Aside from these benefits, l-arginine also plays an important role in the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates, detoxification, and wound healing.
Does l-arginine cause weight loss?
No, arginine does not cause weight loss. It may increase energy levels and improve your health, which may help you lose weight by allowing you to burn more calories through physical activity.
What does l-arginine treat?
Arginine can be used to treat the cardiovascular system, narrowing and widening of blood vessels, reducing high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction. This would always be in combination with dietary changes and eating the right kind of foods as well.
Does l-arginine interact with other medications?
L- arginine has no known mild interaction with other drugs/ medications, aside from high blood pressure medications. The essential amino acid decreases blood pressure, therefore taking arginine with a high blood pressure medication may cause you blood pressure to go too low. The chances of this occurring are very low. It has little to no interactions with other medications.
Does l-arginine interact with food/ alcohol/ smoking?
There is no known evidence that states there is interaction with food, alcohol, or smoking. L- arginine is an amino acid which is found in most protein rich foods, so it is advised to take l-arginine in between meals for best results. It is known that smoking can lead to vascular disease, so it is not recommended to smoke in general.
Is l-arginine necessary for human health?
The essential amino acid is extremely important for health. Along with other amino acids like l-citrulline, l-arginine assists in building protein. In most circumstances, l-arginine is naturally produced in the body, however, as we get older it is vital to supply our body with l-arginine to create proteins that assist in energy. Along with synthesizing Nitric Oxide from the amino acid.
Does l-arginine cause/ have side effects?
Side effects are extremely uncommon with l-arginine, but they are possible if it is taken in unreasonably high doses. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and headache. The likeliness of side effects is very low when used properly.
L-arginine contradictions? L-arginine overdose?
No contradictions have been reported for l-arginine, there are some possible side effects, but most are highly unlikely. No overdoses have occurred. It is safe even in high doses. There is only a danger when consumed in excessive amounts by children.
L-arginine cost?
L- arginine cost varies depending on quality of product.