For this reason, citrulline may be even more effective for increasing levels of arginine in the blood. Interestingly, it also takes longer for the body to metabolize citrulline, which leads to even higher blood levels of arginine than those seen when taking arginine supplements. The amino acid citrulline also acts as a precursor of nitric oxide, as it converts to arginine in the kidneys. In fact, a 2010 study found that supplementing with L-arginine helps improve blood flow throughout the body by decreasing systolic blood pressure and increasing elasticity of blood vessel walls. This conditionally essential amino acid acts as a precursor of nitric oxide-a potent vasodilator that helps blood vessels relax and improves circulation throughout the body. One of the standout amino acids for heart health is arginine, or L-arginine. Whey protein, for example, contains both BCAAs and a substance called lactokinin, which helps blood vessels relax by acting as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. In addition, multiple studies have found that disorders of amino acid metabolism that affect an individual’s ability to properly metabolize BCAAs may be offset by ingesting BCAAs with other nutrients. However, this study is one of many that’s instead demonstrated that supplementing with BCAAs can actually improve insulin sensitivity. This latter finding is especially interesting, as some researchers have hypothesized a link between BCAAs and insulin resistance and, in turn, the development of type 2 diabetes. What’s more, levels of amino acids in the body may even act as important biomarkers of overall health.įor example, a 2016 study found that higher intakes of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) isoleucine, leucine, and valine are associated with a lower incidence of high blood pressure, inflammation, and insulin resistance-another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Branched-Chain Amino AcidsĪs mentioned, more and more studies have found a link between amino acids and improved cardiac function. However, the other nine are called essential amino acids because we must get them from our daily protein intake. And protein is not only the second most abundant substance in the body after water but is also involved in regulating almost every biochemical reaction required for survival.Įleven of the 20 amino acids we require for life are called nonessential amino acids, as the body can (usually) manufacture them on its own. Blood Pressure and Amino Acids for the HeartĪmino acids are known as the building blocks of life because they combine in a myriad of ways to form all the protein found in our bodies. However, studies have found that by lowering blood pressure a mere 5 millimeters of mercury diastolic-the bottom number in a blood pressure reading, corresponding to the relaxation phase of the heartbeat-an individual’s risk of having a stroke goes down by approximately 34% and their risk of ischemic heart disease by 21%. Over time, this increased stress can raise the risk of a number of heart-related consequences, including cardiovascular events like angina (severe chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack) as well as: Blood Pressure and Heart DiseaseĪccording to the CDC, the three key risk factors for cardiovascular disease are high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure.Įlevated blood pressure, or hypertension, contributes to the development of heart disease by narrowing the blood vessels, which in turn decreases blood flow and causes the heart to have to work harder to pump blood out to the body. In this article, we’re going to explore these latest findings and discuss how amino acids for the heart may be just what the doctor ordered. But beyond the usual-and quite appropriate-recommendations for eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, a growing number of recent studies are suggesting that amino acids just might be the new indispensable addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle. These alarming statistics certainly call for serious action. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately half of all adults in the United States have at least one of the three main risk factors for heart disease. Moreover, more Americans die of heart disease each year than of any other cause. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases affect almost half of all adults in the United States.
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