Are you trying to get that extra “pump” in the gym with nitric oxide? You’re not alone. Nitric oxide (NO) supplements have been flying off nutrition store shelves across the country and for good reason. GIVE RESULTS! But do you want to find more natural ways to increase your “NO” levels or just find ways to naturally “supplement” the nitric oxide supplement you’re already taking? The “top 5 list” I’ve created below illustrates natural foods that contain elements that increase nitric oxide.
1. watermelon
Probably my favorite food out of the 5 mentioned here. Is watermelon sweet, juicy and helps you build muscle? Absolutely, watermelon contains the amino acid L-citrulline which ultimately increases your NO levels. I love eating watermelon slices for lunch a few hours before my nightly workout. Try putting a few pieces in the juicer for an all-day supply of watermelon juice. It’s a great way to hydrate and supplement your body’s nitric oxide production.
2 eggs
Have you completely stopped eating egg yolks because you see everyone doing it on TV? Well, don’t follow the pack on that. Yes, the yolk is high in cholesterol, but the yolk actually contains more nitric oxide-boosting nutrients than the egg white. You should leave in 1-2 pieces of yolk. For example, if you are making a 6-egg omelette, you would add 1 or 2 whole eggs (with the yolk) and make the rest with egg whites. This will give you the necessary fat you need and give you additional nutrients that increase nitric oxide.
3. Pistachios
The grocery store would always have piles of pistachios near the produce section. As a kid I always took a small handful and ate them (innocently without paying, I swear I didn’t know what she was doing!) while my mom went shopping. Shh.. don’t tell anyone. But who knew these tasty little guys could help you in your muscle-building nutrition regimen? Pistachios contain the amino acid L-Arginine which keeps arteries supple and ultimately increases blood flow to muscles, aiding in muscle repair and recovery. Eat them between meals not only for their NO-boosting effects, but also because they’re packed with fiber to help keep you full.
4. Lentils
For any vegan out there trying to be defined, you’re in luck! Lentils are packed with tons of good, healthy stuff. They are high in protein and fiber. They have carbohydrates that produce energy and are low in fat and sugar. On top of all that, they are also known to help increase your body’s production of NO. I guess you can call these things “magic beans”.
5 tuna
What good things have not already been said about eating tuna? It is super high in protein. It is low in fat. The fat it contains is the “good kind.” And you can buy it in the market for a relatively low price. Expect…
There is more!
Tuna can also help your body increase nitric oxide production. Tuna is a great addition to any of your “big meals” (ie breakfast, lunch, or dinner), but it also makes a great snack in between.
So next time you’re at the grocery store, try these nitric oxide-boosting foods. You can’t go wrong with them (unless you’re allergic, of course. In which case, run away from them!). There are a ton of different recipes online for these foods. Use them in your main meals as well as snacks for added benefit to your workouts and ultimately your physique.
