Natural Home Cures Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear) Contains Arginine - Nitric Oxide (NO)
Recently a new product industry has come to life with the introduction of super red beet juice powder promoting the benefits of nitric oxide (NO). When we eat foods that contain arginine such as beets this arginine is converted into nitric oxide which is a semi-essential amino acid that helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass as well as reduce physical fatigue(1*).
While the human body usually produces enough arginine on its own an excess of arginine in the body isn't a bad thing as it helps to increase the speed of cell membrane repair(2*).
Moreover, It can be used as an alternative 'cellular fuel' thus conserving ATP, giving you more energy on a cellular level(3*). Arginine also helps in managing post-injury concerns such as tissue healing, nitrogen balance, and weight changes(4*).
Arginine aids in healing wounds, heart health, Impotence, and blood pressure(5*). Arginine may also bolster the immune system(6*) and eliminating excess ammonia, in turn, stopping the build-up of excess nitrogen(7*).
1. Beets boost stamina to help you exercise longer, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure but despite those benefits, beets are actually on the lower end of the nitrate spectrum at just 110 mg per 100 grams.
2. Like spinach, Swiss chard is a dark green leafy vegetable chock full of beneficial dietary nitrates at 151 mg per 100 grams.
3. Oakleaf is higher on the nitrate scale at 155 mg per 100 grams. Oakleaf boasts an impressive amount of Vitamin A (36% of your daily serving). Red leaf lettuce has more antioxidants than green leaf lettuce where Iceberg lettuce is one of the least nutritious vegetables among all plant-based foods.
4. Beet Greens not to be confused with beets have an insane amount of vitamin A. 220% of your daily serving. Plus, 60% of vitamin C and a bit of fiber (17%). When it comes to nitrates, beet greens have 177 mg per 100 grams.
5. Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids it comes in at 183 mg per 100 grams.
6. Spring greens are just a salad mix of young green leaves (also known as a mesclun mix). Mesclun has plenty of vitamin A, fiber, calcium, and even some iron. When it comes to nitrates, spring greens have 188 mg per 100 grams.
7. Butter Leaf, which is identical to Oakleaf lettuce when it comes to its nutrients boasts 45 more points of nitrates compared to Oakleaf at 200 mg per 100 grams.
8. Cilantro is an often underrated (and tasty) herb that contains powerful antioxidants like quercetin, helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, can stimulate digestion, and it even supports detox. Cilantro is also a rich source of nitrates 247 mg per 100 grams.
9. Rhubarb is full of Vitamin C, calcium, and even some fiber. It trails behind nopal cactus at 247 mg per 100 grams.
10. Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) contains 400% more nitrates than beets at 400 mg per 100 grams.
Plus nopal cactus (prickly pear) contains 18 amino acids, 15 phytonutrients, 8 vitamins, betalains, fiber, and pectin making it one of nature's superfoods.
Doesn't it just make sense to consume nopal cactus (prickly pear) at 400 mg of nitrates versus super red beets at 110 mg?
Source References
(1) Wikipedia: Arginine
(2) UC Berkeley Wellness Letter: Arginine
(3) Mayo Clinic: Arginine
(4) WebMD: Heart Benefits and Side Effects of Arginine
(5) About Health: L-Arginine
(6) Medline Plus: L-Arginine
(7) Arizona University: Arginine