Key takeaways
- NO helps vessels relax.
- Two pathways: arginine and nitrate.
- Declines with age and lifestyle.
- Exercise and beets help.
- Never mix with nitrate medicines.
Nitric oxide is one of the most important molecules for circulation, and one of the most talked about in men's health.
What nitric oxide does
The endothelium, the thin lining of blood vessels, releases nitric oxide. It signals the smooth muscle around vessels to relax, so vessels widen and blood flows more freely. This is essential for healthy blood pressure, exercise and intimate health.
Two pathways
| Pathway | Starts with | Food sources |
|---|---|---|
| Arginine pathway | L-arginine (and L-citrulline) | Watermelon, nuts, meat, fish |
| Nitrate pathway | Dietary nitrates | Beets, arugula, spinach, celery |
What lowers nitric oxide
- Aging
- Smoking
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Inactivity
- Overuse of antibacterial mouthwash (kills nitrate-converting mouth bacteria)
How to support it naturally
- Exercise regularly
- Eat nitrate-rich vegetables daily
- Enjoy watermelon and other citrulline sources
- Don't smoke
- Eat flavonoid-rich foods like citrus and berries
Black Wood Tea supports both pathways with L-citrulline, L-arginine and beetroot, plus orange peel and tea antioxidants.
Safety: nitric oxide supporters can lower blood pressure. Never combine them with nitrate medicines such as nitroglycerin, and ask your doctor if you take ED or blood pressure medicines.
Sources
- Lundberg JO, et al. "The nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway in physiology and therapeutics." Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2008.
- Harvard Health Publishing – "Nitric oxide and your health."
- Cormio L, et al. Urology, 2011 (L-citrulline).
Common questions
What is nitric oxide?
A molecule that helps blood vessels relax and widen.
How can I support nitric oxide naturally?
Exercise and eat nitrate-rich vegetables like beets and leafy greens.
Is it safe with heart medicines?
Never combine with nitrates; ask your doctor about other medicines.