The importance of good circulation is not to be underestimated. When the body’s vital organs and circulatory system are working in unison, then the result is proper blood flow. Increased blood flow can improve the supply of oxygen-rich blood to your extremities and also benefits the heart and muscles. Increased blood flow also promotes cell growth and organ function. It benefits the skin, lowers the heart rate, relaxes the heart muscles and ensures that your blood pressure flows evenly and smoothly. Increasing the amount of aerobic activity you do will help to improve your circulation, but a number of important nutrients will also help with this.

L-ARGININE

L-Arginine is an amino acid which can help to increase vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels) in the body. l As a result, researchers have suggested that it may benefit cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. The way it works is that L-Arginine is converted into nitric oxide by the body and nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in greater blood flow. One study showed that supplementation with L-Arginine helped to improve nitric oxide production and exercise capacity in both healthy subjects and those with chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart failure? ²

L-LYSINE

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning that is essential for our health, but we cannot manufacture it, so we need to get it from our food or from supplements. It helps to ensure the adequate absorption of calcium and decreases the amount of calcium that is lost in urine. For this reason, L-Lysine is thought to help prevent the bone loss associated with osteoporosis- 3 L-Lysine also enhances the production of collagen for bone, cartilage and connective tissue and helps the immune system to manufacture antibodies. L-Lysine is necessary for the synthesis of the nutrient carnitine, which helps to convert fatty acids into energy. Carnitine plays a major role in metabolising fats and limiting levels of LDL cholesterol. A carnitine deficiency can lead to an increased risk of developing heart and circulatory system diseases.

L-CITRULLINE

Our bodies naturally convert the amino acid L-Citrulline into L-Arginine Like L-Arginine, I-Citrulline can improve the body’s levels of nitric oxide, thus helping with the dilation of blood vessels. In turn this means that it may offer benefits for improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. One study claimed that L-Citrulline is actually 1.6 times more effective at elevating plasma L-Arginine levels compared to supplementing with L-Atginine alone.a The study also showed that L•Citrulline supplementation help to reduce the body’s sensitivity to cold temperature by increasing blood flow to the skin.

GRAPESEED EXTRACT

Grapeseed extract is known to exert a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and also protects against atherosclerosis.5 Through a process of gene  transcription it helps to turn on the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. which in turn produces nitric oxide thus enabling the blood vessels to relax in order for the blood to flow more easily.

Grapeseed extract can also help to reduce inflammation and boosts the antioxidant activity in heart cells, thus protecting them from free radical-induced death. Grapeseed extract has also been found to help reduce LDL cholesterol Researchers found that giving 40 people 100mg of grapeseed extract and 200mcg of chromium lowered their LDL cholesterol by 20 per cent.⁶

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are a large class of chemical compounds found in plants.They are characterised by the presence of more molecule. Examples include resveratrol in red wine, capsaicin in chilli and paprika and cinnamic acid in cinnamon. Evidence suggests that higher polyphenol intake from fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease? Indeed, studies show that flavonoids improve endothelial function and help to reduce platelet aggregation. Due to their antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregative effect. polyphenols are believed to play a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.⁸

References:

1. Bade-Boger SM, Boger RH, Galland A, Tsikas D, Frolich JC, (1998) L-arginine-induced vasodilation in healthy humans: pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship. Br J Clin. Pharmacy. 46(5): 489-97.
2. Doutrelau S, et al, (2010) L-arginine supplementation improves exercise capacity after a heart transplant. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 91:1261-1267.
3. Lysine www.umm.edu
4. L-Citrulline May Improve Circulation More Than L-Arginine Can Alone: Rat Study www.nutrionaloutlook.com
5. Feng Z, Wei RB, Hong Q, Cui SY, Chen XM. Grape seed extract enhances eNOS expression and NO production through regulating calcium-mediated AKT phosphorylation in H2O2-treated endothelium. (2010) Cell. Biol. Int. 34(10): 10550-61.
6. Preuss HG, Wallerstedt D, Talpur N., Tutuncuoglu SO, Erhard B, Myers A, Bui M, Bagachi D, GSE and Chromium Help Lower Cholesterol in Humans.J.Med.
7. Vita JA, Polyphenols and cardiovascular disease effects on endothelial and platelet function. (2005) Am J Clin Nutr 81(1)292S-297S.
8. Michalska M. Gluba A, Mikhailidis DP, Nowak P, Bielecka-Dabrowa A, Rysz J, Banach M, The role of polyphenols in cardiovascular disease. (2010) Med. Sci. Monit: 16(5):RA110-9.