8 Foods That Increase Nitric Oxide Levels For Improved Sexual Health
Nitric oxide is a gaseous molecule that causes blood vessels to dilate and relax, which is necessary for sexual health.
It can also help with the production of male hormones, sperm motility, and healthier looking skin.
Suffice it to say that nitric oxide plays an important role in many parts of our lives!
The good news is that there are some foods that increase nitric oxide levels in your body.
I’ve compiled 8 great ones here so you can see just how easy it is to start improving your sexual health today!
Foods That Increase Nitric Oxide Levels
Beets
A common misconception about beetroot is that it’s only good for your colon. The truth, however, is that beets are excellent for nitric oxide production and have proven to improve erectile function in men.
A study done by the National Institute of Health found a significant increase in blood flow after participants drank beet juice – a major indicator of increased nitric oxide levels!
Nitric Oxide has been shown to strengthen artery walls and reduce high blood pressure. This leads to better circulation throughout the body which can result in a stronger erection.
So don’t limit yourself to just eating beets as a vegetable – add them into your diet also as a supplement!
Garlic
A recent study on nitric oxide production found that garlic causes a significant increase in NO2-N concentration (NO2-N is the active form of Nitric Oxide).
Nitric oxide plays an important role in regulating blood flow by relaxing smooth muscle cells within the walls of your arteries – this helps to keep your vessels open so they can transport oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.
Carrots
Carrots are one of the vegetables with the highest nitrate content.
Nitrates are converted into nitrites in our saliva which then convert into nitric oxide when it reacts with oxygen from our lungs.
Nitric oxide then diffuses to other cells where it causes them to release their own NO gas which amplifies its effects throughout your entire body.
Dark Chocolate
Recent studies show that dark chocolate contains polyphenols called catechins, which increase nitric oxide production by acting on certain enzymes involved in its synthesis.
Leafy Greens
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that nitric oxide production is increased by leafy greens because they have nitrates that convert into nitric oxide.
This helps improve blood flow to all parts of your body including muscles, organs, skin and even the penis!
This means leafy greens are a healthy food choice for men!
Citrus Fruits
A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that eating a diet rich in vitamin C may increase nitric oxide production, which can help men with erectile dysfunction.
The American Urological Association’s guidelines for treating erectile dysfunction recommend consuming foods high in vitamin C like citrus fruits to see if they have any effect on sexual function.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a great fruit for nitric oxide production because it contains Quercetin, an antioxidant that increases the secretion of nitric oxide from the cells.
Quercetin also fights off free radicals which can damage cells in your body including those that produce nitric oxide.
If you want to increase your sexual performance or just live a healthier lifestyle then eating pomegranates is a good idea!
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are good for nitric oxide production because they’re high in arginine, an amino acid that’s essential to the production of this gas.
The higher your levels of nitric oxide, the better circulation and more oxygen getting delivered to all body parts while also carrying away toxins.
In conclusion
Sexual health, or sexual well being for those who prefer a more inclusive term, is an incredibly important aspect of life that should not be taken lightly.
Eating certain foods in combination with healthy habits like regular exercise can help increase levels of nitric oxide (NO) in your body over time, leading to better physical well being as well as improved sex drive and performance.
There’s so much you could do right now to increase nitric oxide production just by trying some simple lifestyle changes or adding new dishes into your diet using the foods mentioned in this article.
Questions and Answer From Around The Web
What foods turn into nitric oxide?
9 Food to Boost Nitric Oxide Beets. These root vegetables are rich in dietary nitrates, which your body can convert directly into nitric oxide. … Garlic. … Dark Chocolate. … Leafy Greens. … Nuts and Seeds. … Citrus Fruits. … Pomegranates. … Watermelon. More items…
https://aiwellness.com/blogs/purpose/9-foods-to-boost-nitric-oxide
Does turmeric increase nitric oxide?
In healthy middle-aged and older adults, 12 weeks of curcumin supplementation improves resistance artery endothelial function by increasing vascular nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress, while also improving conduit artery endothelial function.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28070018/
Does vitamin C increase nitric oxide?
Abstract—In cultured endothelial cells, the antioxidant, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), increases nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme activity via chemical stabilization of tetrahydrobiopterin. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/01.RES.0000049166.33035.62?download=true
Does Honey increase nitric oxide?
Honey contains minerals that are known to boost testosterone. One of the main things that honey is rich in is nitric oxide. One expert said “This is key in opening up blood vessels that create erections. Four teaspoons of honey can boost nitric oxide levels by 50%.
https://www.jpost.com/promocontent/health&fitness/how-to-boost-testosterone-naturally-fast-452479
Do beets increase nitric oxide?
Beets are rich in natural chemicals called nitrates. Through a chain reaction, your body changes nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure. Beet juice may boost stamina, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure, some research shows.
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/truth-about-beetroot-juice
Does zinc increase nitric oxide?
Zinc also plays a vital role in Nitric Oxide production and endothelia health. … Zinc plays a critical role in inhibiting the early processes of endothelial dysfunction, the primary cause of atherosclerotic disease.
https://www.cor-restor.com/pages/zinc
What vegetables are high in nitrates?
Vegetables particularly rich in nitrates include green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce as well as fennel, rocket, radishes, Chinese cabbage, and parsley. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165613/
Does peanut butter increase nitric oxide?
Simply put, peanuts are bioactive compounds in a shell. Arginine, an amino acid with high levels in peanuts, is a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps expand blood vessels and decrease blood pressure. https://peanut-institute.com/nutrition-research/peanut-nutrients/bioactive-compounds/
Are sweet potatoes high in nitrates?
Researchers found that artichokes, tomatoes, asparagus, sweet potatoes, broad beans, summer squash, eggplant, potatoes, garlic, onion, peppers, green beans, mushrooms and peas are classified as very low in nitrates, according to a study published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in July 2009. https://www.livestrong.com/article/329160-list-of-nitrate-free-foods/
Is celery high in nitrates?
Celery has a very high concentration of natural nitrate, and treating celery juice with a bacterial culture produces nitrite. The concentrated juice can then be used to produce “no nitrite added” processed meat.
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/food/celery-juice-viable-alternative-nitrites-cured-meats
Do apples have nitrates?
Nitrates in Vegetables and Fruits The fruits that do contain nitrates include: Watermelon. Apples. Bananas. https://www.livestrong.com/article/541308-fruits-vegetables-that-are-high-in-nitrates/
