Boost Performance, Cardio and Blood Flow with Nitrates and Citrulline

By Elissa Michaud

Beets are a beautiful, colorful food packed with nutrition and a host of benefits.  They are a great source of fiber, folate, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.  Folate plays a very important role in health and recovery from injury as it helps to prevent damage to blood vessels.

Beets contain inorganic nitrate, not to be confused with the unhealthy nitrates added to lunch meat and bacon.  The nitrate in beets enjoyed in a meal or as juice is first converted into nitrate by the body, and then into nitric oxide.

Nitric Oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax, improves circulation and cardiovascular endurance. It also increases blood flow to muscles and brain.

Citrulline, a non-essential amino acid found in watermelons, squash and chickpeas, supports circulation and vascular health in a similar way. The body changes the citrulline consumed from watermelon and other citrulline containing foods into the amino acid, L- arginine. Can you guess what happens to L-arginine?  You got it!  It also becomes Nitric Oxide.

The combination of this dynamic duo was put to the test and studied. The study demonstrated both an increase in the performance endurance and strength of triathletes.  Link https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/1/40

How does this help with Concussion Recovery and Brain Health?

Increasing blood flow to the brain also increases oxygen levels and enhances delivery of nutrients and elimination of waste.  Wastes eliminated from the brain’s neurons consist of carbon dioxide, water, ammonia as well as various types of proteins, a few of which are called amyloid beta and tau.  Lingering waste in the brain may translate into brain fog, feeling fuzzy and headaches.

Concussion Nutrition & Recovery Plans focus on healthy meals, snacks and beverages that incorporate key nutrients that provide maximum health benefits. For a powerful one/two punch with nitric oxide and citrulline, discover delicious juice recipes that combine the benefits of watermelon and beets; as well as nitric oxide boosting recipes, in the Concussion Nutrition & Recovery plan (LINK)