Keeping a smooth flow

HEART disease has remained the principal cause of death among Malaysians over the past 10 years, making up 13.5% of deaths in 2014, based on the Statistics Department’s findings.

Heart and blood vessel disease – also called cardiovascular disease – includes numerous problems, many of which are related to a process called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis develops when plaque (a build-up of substances such as cholesterol, fat and calcium) forms on the inner walls of blood vessels.

The build-up narrows the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms in a blood vessel and cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of heart muscle that receives oxygen from that vessel begins to die. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Nitric oxide is one of the most important chemical compounds for heart health. It is a cellular signalling molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes.

Nitric oxide level in the body is highest at birth and declines steadily as you age. A healthy diet and active lifestyle can help maintain a healthy nitric oxide level.

The interior surface of blood vessels produces nitric oxide. When plaque builds up in the blood vessels, it impinges on nitric oxide production.

You can supplement your healthy lifestyle by consuming foods and nutritional supplements that are scientifically known to increase nitric oxide levels.

Since nitric oxide is a gas, you cannot just pop a pill to increase your nitric oxide level. You are dependent on your body’s production of this gas from foods such as seeds, nuts, dark chocolate, black tea, watermelon and pomegranate.

Nutritional supplements such as L-citrulline and L-arginine also help the body to produce nitric oxide.

L-citrulline and L-arginine are vital amino acids that play a role in a number of physiological functions in the body and are best known for their heart health benefits.

L-citrulline and L-arginine help in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and increasing blood flow and circulation, thus reducing high blood pressure. Both amino acids may break down plaque build-up and prevent blood clots from forming.

They also seem to decrease symptoms as well as improve exercise tolerance and quality of life in people with angina (chest pain).

Scientific studies have proven that combined L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation effectively increases blood levels of nitric oxide compared to supplementation of L-arginine alone.

In addition to heart health, L-citrulline and L-arginine play other important biological roles. They improve physical and exercise performance, energy level, muscle development and immune function.

This informational article is brought to you by Herbs of Gold.

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