Arginine Foods and Blood Pressure
Arginine may potentially provide a way to lower high blood pressure, at least in theory. How? Arginine is a source of nitric oxide in the body, and the innermost layer of cells in arteries release nitric oxide to widen arteries, alleviating the flow of blood, resulting in lower blood pressure. Since the arginine in arginine rich foods is converted-at least in part-to nitric oxide, the net result may be the lowering of blood pressure.
Unfortunately, there have been no peer-review scientific studies that definitively confirm the hypothesis that arginine foods reduce blood pressure; in only seems logical in theory.
Part of the reason may be because the body naturally produces arginine, and supplementing arginine – either in the form of an arginine capsule, or by consuming arginine rich foods- may simply result in the body excreting the excess arginine consumed.
The best course of action to take if you suffer from high blood pressure is to speak with your doctor about what lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure, such as diet, exercise, quit smoking, limited drinking, etc., etc.
Arginine foods are not a magic solution to lowering blood pressure, though arginine foods may have some as of yet undiscovered potential. Until then, talk to your physician. He knows best.
