L Arginine Benefits for Heart Health & Performance
What is L-Arginine?
Many people have heard the name L-arginine but not any details about it. They’ll often ask, “What is L- arginine?” or “What is L-arginine good for?”. L-arginine is an amino acid that your body makes. It’s one of the “building blocks” of protein.
The body typically produces all the L-arginine it needs. The substance can also be found in protein-rich foods like red meat, eggs, poultry, fish, and dairy products. You can also get more L-arginine by taking it in supplement form. It’s important to have enough of this amino since there are a number of ways that L- arginine benefits the body, including:
- Better heart health
- Improved immune system response
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced exercise performance
- Reduced erectile dysfunction
L-Arginine and Heart Health
Getting the proper amount of L-arginine is important, as there seems to be a connection between L- arginine and heart health. Studies have shown that it acts as a vasodilator, meaning that it helps dilate or open up blood vessels. Consequently, it has the potential to improve a number of cardiovascular conditions. They include:
High Blood Pressure
Some research on L-arginine and blood pressure has shown that it can help lower high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It can also be beneficial for people who have pulmonary hypertension, which specifically affects the right side of the heart and also the lungs.
Angina
Angina is chest pain. L-arginine may be effective in decreasing symptoms and improving the quality of life for people with angina, even severe forms of the condition.
Heart Palpitations
Studies have shown that increasing the amount of L-arginine consumed by people with heart arrhythmias can reduce or eliminate problems, so doctors will sometimes recommend L-arginine for heart palpitations.
You should talk with your doctor about the proper L-arginine dosage for heart health in order to maximize your L-arginine heart benefits.
Other L-Arginine Health Benefits
In addition to how it affects heart health, there are other L-arginine health benefits. They impact a number of areas of the body. For example:
Improved Immunity
L-arginine helps the immune system function more effectively. In fact, it’s often given to people who are recovering from surgery, fighting an infection or undergoing chemotherapy.
Decreased Inflammation
While inflammation is a necessary physical response in some instances, chronic inflammation can be harmful to the body. L-arginine helps reduce this type of swelling.
Improved Exercise Performance
L-arginine improves blood flow. Consequently, it helps get nutrients and oxygen to muscles and joint tissue. This can produce a better, more comfortable workout.
Improvement in Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide (NO) in the body, and NO helps relax smooth muscles. An erection requires this type of relaxation, so increasing the L-arginine level can help treat erectile dysfunction.
Check out 5 Health Supplements for Men to learn other ways you can support your wellness for optimal health.
