Heavy Metals and Nitric Oxide Synthase
Introduction
Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, are environmental pollutants that can accumulate in the body and pose significant health risks. One of the lesser-known consequences of heavy metal exposure is the negative impact on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) production. NOS is an enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including vasodilation, immune response, and neurotransmission. This article will discuss the mechanisms through which heavy metals can decrease NOS production, the health implications of this reduction, and strategies to counteract these effects, with references to scientific studies supporting these claims.
Mechanisms of Heavy Metal-Induced NOS Inhibition
A. Oxidative Stress
Heavy metals can induce oxidative stress, which is characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms (1). Excessive ROS production can lead to the inactivation of NOS and a decrease in NO production (2). Oxidative stress also contributes to the uncoupling of endothelial NOS (eNOS), a process in which the enzyme produces superoxide instead of NO, further exacerbating the negative effects on NOS activity (3).
B. Disruption of NOS Expression and Function
Heavy metals can directly interact with NOS enzymes or alter their expression, decreasing NO production (4). For example, cadmium has been shown to inhibit NOS activity by displacing essential cofactors, such as zinc, which are necessary for proper enzyme function (5). Additionally, heavy metals can interfere with the cellular signaling pathways that regulate NOS expression, ultimately suppressing enzyme production (6).
C. Inhibition of NO Bioavailability
Heavy metals can also decrease NO bioavailability by increasing the production of molecules that scavenge and inactivate NO, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) (7). ADMA, an endogenous inhibitor of NOS, competes with L-arginine, the substrate for NOS, for binding to the enzyme, thereby decreasing NO production (8).
Health Implications of Heavy Metal-Induced NOS Inhibition
A. Cardiovascular Disease
Decreased NOS activity and NO production from heavy metal exposure can impair endothelial function, reducing vasodilation and increasing blood pressure (9). This can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension (10).
B. Neurological Disorders
NO is essential for normal neurotransmission and brain function. Reduced NOS activity and NO production due to heavy metal exposure can lead to altered neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival, contributing to the development of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and cognitive impairment (11, 12).
C. Impaired Immune Response
NO plays a critical role in the immune response by modulating the function of immune cells and influencing cytokine production. Reduced NO production due to heavy metal-induced NOS inhibition can impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and maintain proper inflammatory responses (13).
Strategies to Counteract Heavy Metal-Induced NOS Inhibition
A. Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy involves the administration of chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), which bind to heavy metals and facilitate their excretion from the body. By reducing the body’s burden of heavy metals, chelation therapy can help restore NOS activity and improve overall health (14).
B. Antioxidant Supplementation
Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help counteract oxidative stress from heavy metals and protect NOS activity (15). Supplementation with antioxidants may help restore NO production and support overall health in individuals exposed to heavy metals.
C. Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions
Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, essential nutrients, and anti-inflammatory compounds can help support NOS activity and counteract the effects of heavy metal exposure (16). Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining healthy body weight, and avoiding exposure to environmental pollutants can further protect NOS function and overall health.
Conclusion
Heavy metals can negatively impact nitric oxide synthase production through various mechanisms, including inducing oxidative stress, disrupting NOS expression and function, and inhibiting NO bioavailability. The detrimental effects of heavy metals on NOS activity can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and impaired immune responses. Chelation therapy, antioxidant supplementation, and nutritional and lifestyle interventions can be employed to counteract these effects. Individuals can proactively protect their health and mitigate the risks associated with heavy metal exposure by understanding the relationship between heavy metals and NOS production.
A Comprehensive Approach to Support NOS Production
This article discusses how can some components contribute to heavy metal detoxification and supports NOS production.
EDTA
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a well-known chelating agent that binds to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, facilitating their excretion from the body (17). By removing heavy metals, EDTA can help restore NOS activity and mitigate the negative effects of these metals on nitric oxide (NO) production (18).
Modified Citrus Pectin
Modified citrus pectin is a form of pectin that has been altered to improve its bioavailability and absorption. It has been shown to bind and remove heavy metals from the body, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium (19). Modified citrus pectin can help protect NOS activity and support NO production by aiding in heavy metal detoxification.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a single-celled green alga that has been shown to possess heavy metal-binding properties, particularly for mercury (20). By assisting in removing heavy metals from the body, chlorella can help alleviate the negative effects of these metals on NOS production and support overall health.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, has been shown to have heavy metal-chelating properties, particularly for lead and mercury (21). By aiding in detoxifying heavy metals, cilantro can help protect NOS activity and support NO production.
Shilajit
Shilajit, a natural resinous substance found in the Himalayas, has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help counteract heavy metal-induced oxidative stress and inflammation (22). Shilajit can help protect NOS activity and maintain NO production by reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, shilajit has been reported to possess metal-chelating properties, which may further contribute to its heavy metal detoxification effects (23).
Zeolite
Zeolites are natural or synthetic minerals with a unique porous structure, which allows them to bind to and trap heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury (24). By assisting in removing heavy metals from the body, zeolites can help protect NOS activity and support NO production.
References:
(1) Valko, M., Morris, H., & Cronin, M. T. (2005). Metals, toxicity and oxidative stress. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 12(10), 1161-1208. https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867053764635
(2) Förstermann, U., & Sessa, W. C. (2012). Nitric oxide synthases: regulation and function. European Heart Journal, 33(7), 829-837. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehr304
(3) Förstermann, U., & Münzel, T. (2006). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase in vascular disease: from marvel to menace. Circulation, 113(13), 1708-1714. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.602532
(4) Brüne, B., Schmidt, K. U., & Ullrich, V. (1990). Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by carbon monoxide and inhibition by superoxide anion. European Journal of Biochemistry, 192(2), 683-688. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1432-1033.1990.tb19283.x
(5) Ercal, N., Gurer-Orhan, H., & Aykin-Burns, N. (2001). Toxic metals and oxidative stress part I: mechanisms involved in metal-induced oxidative damage. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 1(6), 529-539. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026013394831
(6) Pacher, P., Beckman, J. S., & Liaudet, L. (2007). Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in health and disease. Physiological Reviews, 87(1), 315-424. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00029.2006
(7) Kielstein, J. T., & Cooke, J. P. (2005). Cardiology and nephrology converge on a common problem: asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, predicts cardiovascular events. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 16(9), 2454-2457. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2005060610
(8) Böger, R. H. (2006). Asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, explains the “L-arginine paradox” and acts as a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Journal of Nutrition, 136(10), 2882S-2887S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.10.2882S
(9) Vaziri, N. D. (2008). Mechanisms of lead-induced hypertension and cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 295(2), H454-H465. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00158.2008
(10) Navas-Acien, A., Guallar, E., Silbergeld, E. K., & Rothenberg, S. J. (2007). Lead exposure and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(3), 472-482. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.9785
(11) Farina, M., Avila, D. S., da Rocha, J. B., & Aschner, M. (2013). Metals, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration: a focus on iron, manganese and mercury. Neurochemistry International, 62(5), 575-594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2012.12.006
(12) Sanders, T., Liu, Y., Buchner, V., & Tchounwou, P. B. (2009). Neurotoxic effects and biomarkers of lead exposure: a review. Reviews on Environmental Health, 24(1), 15-45. https://doi.org/10.151 5/reveh.2009.24.1.15
(13) Bogdan, C. (2001). Nitric oxide and the immune response. Nature Immunology, 2(10), 907-916. https://doi.org/10.1038/ni1001-907
(14) Flora, S. J., & Pachauri, V. (2010). Chelation in metal intoxication. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(7), 2745-2788. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7072745
(15) Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 118-126. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70902
(16) Crinnion, W. J. (2010). The role of nutritional supplements in the treatment of heavy metal toxicity. Alternative Medicine Review, 15(1), 33-47. http://archive.foundationalmedicinereview.com/publications/15/1/33.pdf
(17) Flora, S. J., & Pachauri, V. (2010). Chelation in metal intoxication. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(7), 2745-2788. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7072745
(18) Vaziri, N. D. (2008). Mechanisms of lead-induced hypertension and cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 295(2), H454-H465. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00158.2008
(19) Eliaz, I., Weil, E., & Wilk, B. (2019). Integrative medicine and the role of modified citrus pectin/alginates in heavy metal chelation and detoxification – five case reports. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 8(12), 430-443. https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v8i12.569
(20) Uchikawa, T., Yasutake, A., Kumamoto, Y., Maruyama, I., Kumamoto, S., & Ando, Y. (2011). The influence of Parachlorella beyerinckii CK-5 on the absorption and excretion of methylmercury (MeHg) in mice. Journal of Toxicological Sciences, 36(1), 121-130. https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.36.121
(21) Aga, M., Iwaki, K., Ueda, Y., Ushio, S., Masaki, N., Fukuda, S., … & Ito, Y. (2001). Preventive effect of Coriandrum sativum (Chinese parsley) on localized lead deposition in ICR mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 77(2-3), 203-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00289-X
(22) Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2012, 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142
(23) Bhattacharyya, S., & Pal, D. (2013). In vitro study of the effects of Shilajit on the activities of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Pharmaceutical Biology, 51(2), 269-272. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2012.727360
(24) Selvam, T., Schwieger, W., & Dathe, W. (2017). The potential of natural and modified zeolites for heavy metal capture in contaminated waters. In Natural Mineral Nanotubes (pp. 363-380). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b18522-16
Which Nitric Oxide Supplement is the Best?
There Are Supplements For Everything
When it comes to making healthy choices, we all know the big ones: eat plenty of vegetables, exercise a few times a week, drink plenty of water, and spend a few minutes outside everyday moving around and getting some natural sunlight. The truly daunting task comes when we begin to venture into optimization. To be our healthiest selves, we often look to supplements to aid us in this endeavor. There are supplements for everything these days. Some people take protein powder to hit your macronutrient/caloric goals. Other people take pre-workout for an energy boost for workouts. Others take collagen for skin and nail health, and so many more. You can even take a multivitamin to “get those micronutrients.” In all that chaos, one supplement that will help you potentially live a longer and healthier life is nitric oxide.
A quick google search for nitric oxide supplements will pull up dozens of brands to choose from. So how do we figure out which nitric oxide supplement we should buy when there are so many to choose from? There are many factors to consider. Such factors include dosage, ingredients, flavor, and cost. By the end of this article, the answer will be clear.
What Is Nitric Oxide?
Without getting too scientific, nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule the body uses to relay information from cell to cell. NO is essentially a telephone between cells, aiding in multiple processes due to its function as a vasodilator. This means NO relaxes and widens your blood vessels. This in turn decreases your blood pressure and allows a better flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. This improved blood flow has a ton of health benefits as a bonus! For this reason, many health and wellness circles refer to NO as a miracle molecule.
What Are the Health Benefits of Nitric Oxide Supplements?
When it comes to buying supplements, we all want to make sure if we are putting in the money to buy a supplement that it is worth investing in. Nothing hits the confidence and wallet worse than buying an expensive supplement that does nothing for you. Shopping for nitric oxide supplements is no different. If you get your hands on the right NO supplement, there are some amazing benefits for your overall health. As you learn more about the following benefits of NO, you’ll see why you should be buying one.
Improved Heart Health
NO is a vasodilator, meaning it can widen and relax the blood vessels. This in turn allows your blood to carry more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body more effectively. Another benefit of this vasodilation is improving your heart health. As a result, wider blood vessels lead to improved blood flow , reducing the chance of blood clotting. This also decreases blood pressure, meaning there is a lower chance of hypertension. All these benefits can reduce the risk of a heart attack and potentially lower your chances of developing heart disease. Regardless of your age and current health status, anything that can keep your ticker going longer is worth exploring. A solid nitric oxide supplement is going to be a good bet.
Improved Sexual Health and Performance
Fellas, this one is for you! Obviously, you want your favorite wingman going strong for as long as you’re around. If not, that’s cool but I’m positive I’m speaking for the majority here. So how do nitric oxide supplements help keep the good times rolling? We look again to that vasodilation. Nitric oxide will aid in the smooth muscles of the penis relaxing. These muscles relaxing is the key to a strong erection. So, in case you did not know, your muscles must RELAX for you to get HARD. Since NO can improve blood flow, supplementing NO can improve your erection. Furthermore, your performance in bed can be enhanced thanks to the overall improved circulation and blood flow. For the ladies who read this part, there is a little benefit for you as well with supplementing NO. Female arousal is potentially enhanced due to improved blood flow.
Improved Brain Health
Remember in the beginning of the article where we discussed how NO is a great at communicating between cells? Well, that includes brain cells. Thanks to NO’s ability to transmit information so well between cells, there is an improvement of cognitive ability. This means that increasing your NO intake can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. If you want to keep those neurons firing on all cylinders, a good nitric oxide supplement is key.
Improved Immune System Health
There are a couple ways NO can serve as an immune system aid. One way is through helping with cell transportation. Our immune system uses white blood cells to destroy harmful viruses, bacteria, and pathogens to keep us strong and healthy. For this to work optimally, we want our white blood cells to get to those pathogens as quickly as possible. NO comes in to make the our blood vessels wider and improving circulation so our white blood cells can get from Point A to Point B quick, fast, and in a hurry.
Another way NO aids in immune system support is by improving oxygen delivery. Supplementing with nitric oxide can improve the movement of oxygen throughout the body, and can improve the effectiveness of your immune system.
Improved Athletic Performance
Whether you are an avid gym-goer, hardcore athlete, or average joe, you likely care about how exercise makes your body look and feel. Well, NO can be helpful there too. Since NO is said to improve oxygen delivery through the body, NO can improve exercise performance and reduce muscle soreness. Another potential benefit of NO for exercise is it can be helpful in improving exercise tolerance and muscular endurance. It is because of this belief there is often NO in certain pre-workouts. There is research that says NO can help you work out longer and harder, but more research is needed there. What we can say is NO will help your body push blood, oxygen, and nutrients into muscles more effectively, improving your ability to exercise more.
Which Nitric Oxide Supplement Should I Get?
Now we finally get to the good stuff, finding the right supplement. Provided you have already investigated naturally increasing your NO levels via exercise and superfoods such as beets and other veggies, it’s time to check the supplement labels. Not only do the ingredients matter, but the amount of each ingredient matters. The right dosage of ingredients is what makes the NO viable for your body to use. So, what are we looking for and how much are we looking for on the label?
What to Look For? L-Arginine.
This is an amino acid that occurs naturally in red meat, milk, cheese, chicken, and fish. The body uses L-Arginine to produce NO, which triggers the release of hormones such as insulin. With NO released into the body, vasodilation and all those benefits associated with vasodilation can occur. Since L-Arginine is an amino acid, the body uses it to build proteins.
How Much to Look For?
Studies will vary about the exact dosage you should consume daily for optimal results, but most will agree that 3-6 grams is sufficient for improving NO levels in your body and reaping the benefits.
What to Look for? L-Citrulline.
This is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body is found in foods such as nuts and watermelon. When consumed, the body converts L-Citrulline into L-Arginine and NO for use. People use L-Citrulline and L-Arginine together in many supplements to increase NO levels in the body.
How Much to Look For?
Just like with L-Arginine, you want to find a supplement that has roughly 3-6 grams included. Exact dosages are contested in research and in real world application left to individual preference. If you are taking 5 grams or more of L-Arginine, you likely do not need as much L-Citrulline.
What Else to Look For ?
Firstly, a good nitric oxide supplement will help create an alkaline environment for stable and consistent NO bioavailability. A good Nitric oxide supplement will help promote antioxidants. A good nitric oxide supplement will have ingredients to promote NO absorption. Lastly, a good nitric oxide supplement contains a variety of vitamins to promote optimum health.
Final Thoughts on Nitric Oxide Supplements
Let’s face it: it can cost an arm and a leg getting your hands on every so-called necessary supplement. You likely don’t need multivitamins and other random supplements like you think you do. Plenty of supplements consumed can be found in a well-balanced diet. What you do need is a data-driven, medically-backed nitric oxide supplement that is trusted by actual doctors all over the world who stand behind the product.
Special Guest Dr. Tobi Jeurink
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 12 and 13
We our first ever female guest this week, please welcome Dr. Tobi Jeurink! Dr. Jeurink grew up battling arthritis and autoimmune conditions , she learned at a very early age that the most effective forms of medication are the ones that not only deal with symptoms, but truly improve your overall health. Dr. Jeurink graduated from college and shortly after went on to purchase her own chiropractic clinic. She believes in combining chiropractic and gut health together. From firsthand personal experience, Dr. Jeurink is able to treat her clients to the best of her abilities, to ultimately have great success! Join Dr. Jay and Dr. Jeurink as they explore how chiropractic ties into nutrition, the root cause of health issues, and much more!
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
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Special Guest Dr. Adam Boender
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 10 and 11
This week we have Dr. Adam Boender of Regenerative Treatment Centers in Kansas City! Dr. Boender is a former college athlete turned personal trainer and eventually a pioneer for regenerative medicine and certified chiropractor! He has a passion health and life to those around him. His practice focuses on making the client feel comfortable and welcome. Each new client he meets he makes sure to make a special connection. Join Dr. Boender and Dr. Jay as they discuss what regenerative healthcare means, and how Dr. Boender got into his practice through his very personal health journey with his family. We dive deep into emotions with personal family stories and heart-wrenching success stories. Dr. Boender’s journey is sure to put a smile on your face.
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
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Special Guest Vaughn Lawrence
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 8 and 9
Introducing our very first naturopath. Vaughn Lawrence is the owner of Spirit of Health in Kansas. In 2000 Lawrence relocated to Las Vegas where he earned his Doctor of Naturopathy. He then proceeded to work as a health food store manager, educator, practitioner, and consultant before returning to Kansas in 2010 to open up his own practice. Since then Lawrence has received a certification as a colon hydro therapist, nutrition response testing practitioner, dietary supplement specialist, and iridologist. Now you may be wondering what does all that mean. Well, don’t worry we got you covered, in this episode Dr. Jay and Vaughn Lawrence cover what it means to be a naturopath, the GAPS diet, and numerous heart-touching success stories. Lawrence’s ultimate goal is to make natural health educations, tools, resources, and products available to people around the world. You don’t want to miss the heart-warming stories and belief in faith told by Vaughn Lawrence, click the link below to watch!
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
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Special Guest Dr. Nathan Bryan
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 5-7
We are thrilled to introduce the Bionox family to, Dr. Nathan Bryan. Dr. Nathan Bryan is one of the world’s top experts in nitric oxide. He is an international leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry, along with the author of Functional Nitric Oxide Nutrition: Dietary Strategies to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease (purchase now on our website)! In the next few episodes Dr. Jay and Dr. Nathan Bryan discuss opinions on nitrates, how many nitrates the average American consumers, chronic diseases, vegetation in different parts of the world, and much more. Dr. Bryan gives us details on what he thinks when he thinks about nitrates. The deep dive into the mind of a nitric oxide expert gives us a better understanding of how we can optimize our health to live life to the fullest.
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Special Guest Dr. Shawn Green
Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay Episodes 2-4
This week we introduce our first guest, Dr. Shawn Green, the inventor of MyFitStrips (available in every canister of Nox3 Greens Ultimate Nitric Oxide Superfood). The MyFitStrips test our levels of nitric oxide so you at home can see when and how you need to improve those levels. Dr. Green chats with Dr. Jay on how nitric oxide is important nitric oxide is for our immune systems, the various ways we consume nitrates, and what nitric oxide does for you. The nitric oxide expert dives into the nitrate story involving organic and inorganic nitrates and what each does to your body.
Currently, Dr. Green is advising strategies to address nitric oxide deficiencies for the prevention and treatment of age- related chronic diseases and infections. Learn more about Dr. Shawn Green and nitric oxide in part one through three. At the end of each guest we have a rapid fire round where we get a personal with each of our guests. Tune in to watch on Facebook or any other social media platform and listen on Spotify.
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Introducing Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay
Pilot Episode – Special Guest Rick Gill
Welcome to the very first episode of Motivating Wellness with Dr. Jay. We wanted to start a podcast/ video series so the Bionox family, and us can learn and experience a variety of health experts, doctors, naturopaths, and health lovers. Our goal is to explore natural health and gain a better understanding of our health and different ways we can continue to grow on our journey.
Dr. Jay Wilkins got into nitric oxide one day in his office in Birmingham, Alabama. A non-invasive screening device stumbled across his desk. This screening device monitored where you were at in your cardiovascular health along with a product that helps boost your nitric oxide levels. Majority of the adults that came into Dr. Jay’s office with some form of cardiovascular issue. Dr. Jay was baffled that he hadn’t heard of nitric oxide as the research on nitric oxide had won a Nobel Prize in 1998 based off of hundreds of studies. Dr. Jay found that this miracle molecule can support numerous health benefits that affect your body as we get older.
Join us each week while our founder and formulator Dr. Jay Wilkins interviews a new guest each week. Follow along on all of our social platforms.
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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.