L-Arginine Supplement Fact Check: It is one kind of non-essential amino acid which can be produced by the body on its own. We can also get L-arginine from some foods like fish, meat, eggs, legumes, seeds and nuts. There are several functions of L-arginine in the body like creating the waste product urea which can be used to remove toxic ammonia from the body. The other one is that it helps making creatine which can be an energy source of the cells body. Let us show you more about l-arginine and the anti-aging process.
L-Arginine Supplement and the Body
Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain consisting of a 3-carbon aliphatic straight chain ending in a guanidino group.
An L-Arginine Supplement can contribute to the wellness of cardiovascular systems. It helps build muscles and enhances sexual satisfaction. Because of these claims, manufacturers of this supplement got the idea of promoting their products to be an anti-aging pill. Although, L-arginine has the effects for anti-aging, it is not recommended to be used instead of (and replacing) other lifestyle changes like for example a healthy diet and exercise.
Exercise Capacity in Aging People and L-Arginine
Once a person ages, the nitric oxide is reduced making his exercise capacity to be lessened. So as to test if L-arginine can do something about this change, researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles did a study on cyclists aged 50 to 73 years.
The result of the study was published in the “Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition” in its September 2010 issue. It was reported that the cyclists who take L-arginine had an increase of 16.7% in anaerobic threshold. When the body used stored sugar for energy instead of the use of oxygen, then an anaerobic threshold exists.
L-Arginine Supplement Role in Cardiovascular Health
Since L-arginine has the capacity to relax and smooth muscle cells in the arteries, this makes it different among the amino acids. Another role of L-arginine is that it can widen blood vessels thus preventing the arteries from clogging because of plaque.
In 1996, as published in the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology”, L-arginine has the ability to bring back damaged endothelium caused by aging. Another research has reported otherwise. They said long term administration of L-arginine has a harmful effect on endothelial functions in elderly patients.
Usage of a L-Arginine Supplement
L-arginine cleanses the arteries which results to increase in blood flow. It lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system, keeps an individual mentally alert and increases both female and male potency. It increases the body’s ability to burn fat and increases muscle mass too.
L-arginine is considered as an HGH enhancer as it stimulates the body to release the anti-aging human growth hormone, commonly known as HGH. HGH is known to slow down and sometimes reverse the aging process. Another advantage of L-arginine being an HGH enhancer is that it increases bone density.
Food Sources of a good L-Arginine
Food sources of a good L-arginine supplement are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, seeds, nuts and wheat germ. For vegetables and fruits, they almost don’t have any so if you are a vegetarian, and you don’t consume any eggs or dairy products, surely you are not getting enough amounts of L-arginine. For an average American he would get about 5 grams of L-arginine a day.
Now that you have seen the link between L-arginine and anti-aging, do you think the nutrient is worth a try? You may answer that after further scrutiny of the facts provided herein.
