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Discovery of NO |
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The discovery of the biological functions of nitric oxide came as a complete surprise. Nitric oxide was named "Molecule of the Year" in 1992 by the journal Science. The Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998 was awarded to Ferid Murad, Robert F. Furchgott, and Louis Ignarro for the discovery of the signaling properties of nitric oxide. |
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NO Improves Circulation |
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Blood vessels use NO to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax, thus dilating the arteries, increasing blood flow, and maintaining normal blood pressure. These blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to, as well as remove waste products from, every cell in your body. |
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Heart Benefits of NO |
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* Relax and widen blood vessels
* Increase blood circulation
* Maintain blood pressure within the normal range
* Reduce cardiovascular aging |
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Yoga for Your Heart |
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NO keeps your cardiovascular system young by making it elastic, clean and fit. Optimizing NO production is like having your cardiovascular system do yoga every day.
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Other NO Benefits |
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* Promotes immune system health
* Acts as a neurotransmitter, which may be involved in memory.
* Facilitates the development and maintenance of erectile function.
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NO Deficiency |
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A large percentage of people are deficient in their production and/or actions of nitric oxide, placing them at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, compounds like L-arginine,
L-citrulline, and antioxidants can increase the body's own production and/or actions of nitric oxide. |
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Arginine Safety |
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The Council for Responsible Nutrition has determined that the amino acid L-arginine is safe in doses up to 20 grams/day. The April 2008 issue of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology details this research. |
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Citrulline in Watermelon Proven to Increase NO |
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A USDA funded study at the Texas A&M University has demonstrated that watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline which is converted into arginine and produces Nitric Oxide in the body. Read more here. |
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Recommended Reading |
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→NO More Heart Disease by Dr. Louis Ignarro
→Health Is Wealth: 10 Power Nutrients That Increase Your Odds of Living to 100 by Dr. Louis Ignarro and R. Andrew Myers
→Food, Nutrition and the Nitric Oxide Pathway edited by Nathan S. Bryan
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