Table of Contents
What is Arginine?
Arginine is one of the amino acids essential for the biosynthesis of proteins. It can be synthesized from glutamine in the body through citrulline and is present in protein foods. It is an important precursor to nitric oxide and plays the most important role in its synthesis. Nitric oxide is a powerful free radical and a signaling protein in many biological processes, especially cardiovascular processes and immune responses.
Arginine is classified as a semi-essential amino acid depending on the age of the individual. It is essential for babies who cannot synthesize the amino acid and, thus, gain it from breast milk. The amino acid is semi-essential in older people. Some people are present with arginine deficiencies, even though it is very rare.
Sources of L-Arginine
Food
L-arginine can be found in all sources of protein in low levels. Meat, fish, dairy (eggs, milk), nuts (cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts, groundnuts, and hazelnuts), seeds (flaxseed, watermelon, sunflower seeds), and plants like oats, wheat, and brown rice.
Supplements
L-arginine supplements are available for those who cannot synthesize it naturally or who have a deficiency and require an arginine boost. This is especially true for patients who are trying to find alternative means to help with infertility, heart disease, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
6 Awesome Effects of L-Arginine Into Our Body
1. Cardiovascular
Arginine relaxes the blood vessels of the heart, providing relief to patients who have cardiovascular problems associated with circulation. Patients with angina and arterial heart disease can benefit from a supplement of this amino acid. It can help to lower high blood pressure and relieve hypertension.
2. Antioxidant
Nitric oxide is a free radical, and it helps in the mopping up of harmful toxins that the body comes into contact with. This makes it a powerful antioxidant, essential in slowing down the aging of the cells in the body.
3. Circulation
L-arginine facilitates easier circulation and can cause dilation of blood vessels. This might be why it can ease migraines. It can also stimulate sustained erections in men and better vaginal lubrication in women as part of the boost in circulation. Thus, it can be part of the treatment for infertility in couples who seek alternative ways of having a baby.
4. Kidney Function
Optimal kidney function can be helped along with the use of arginine. It can help the kidney recover after surgery and help reduce inflammation.
5. Immune (System) Function
Nitric oxide can stimulate the formation of new white cells and boost immune system function.
6. Wound Healing
Studies have shown that administering L-arginine after surgery lessens recovery time. Nitric oxide helps in wound healing by stimulating the formation of new cells and immune cells and reducing the risk of infection in the wound.
Conclusion
L-arginine has shown promise as a potential remedy for various ailments. However, further research and regulation are needed to fully understand its potential. In the meantime, people can benefit from consuming arginine-rich foods and taking supplements. Consuming these foods and supplements can improve blood flow and circulation, lower blood pressure, enhance immune function, and increase muscle mass and strength.
Arginine should be taken with caution. Patients who have asthma or who have had a prior heart attack should not be taking arginine.
Even though arginine supplements are still at the experimental stage, they could make a difference for people who are in dire need of the supplement. They should always be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
