Vasodilator drugs are used to dilate blood vessels and prevent heart disease, but there are also natural vasodilators that have the same effects and can also increase blood flow.
Vasodilators act on the walls of the muscles that are located in the arteries and veins. They prevent the muscles from contracting and the walls from shrinking, allowing blood to flow freely among the vessels. When blood circulates smoothly, the heart is not overworked and blood pressure drops.
Nitric Oxide production is important because it regulates blood flow. Some diseases reduce the level of nitric oxide produced and this can affect blood flow and vascular function. Nitric oxide is produced from the amino acid L-arginine by the action of nitric oxide synthase. Vascularly, ON can prevent vasoconstriction of the sympathetic nervous system, it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic properties and prevents muscle hyperplasia. Insufficient ON levels can cause high blood pressure, thrombosis, vascular hypertrophy, and excessive stenosis or inflammation.
Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator; one can increase its level by consuming foods rich in flavonoids and L-arginine. Many foods have a vasodilating effect. Consult the detailed list to select the most effective natural vasodilators.
Vasodilators that increase blood flow
Nitric oxide can reduce blood pressure but also prevent strokes and clogged arteries. It is generally recommended to stimulate the production of nitric oxide by modifying your diet. Whatever your dietary preferences, you're sure to find a food you enjoy in the list of natural vasodilators below.
Dark chocolate
Raw cocoa beans increase nitric oxide production and are also rich in antioxidants. This food can reduce blood pressure as well as the impact of inflammation markers. We would like to remind you that chocolate is high in sugar and should therefore be consumed occasionally. This information is for dark chocolate only.
Lemon
Research indicates that vitamin C protects nitric oxide molecules from free radical damage. This vitamin is therefore a good natural vasodilator. Some fruits are very rich in vitamin C, these include oranges, lemons and grapefruit. This vitamin increases nitric oxide synthase, which is the enzyme that converts L-arginine into nitric oxide.
Grenade
This fruit stimulates the production of nitric oxide. It also soothes inflammation and reduces oxidative stress. And these two elements are factors that promote coronary heart disease. The polyphenols contained in the pomegranate help the body to transform nitrite into nitric oxide, this fruit is therefore a natural and effective vasodilator.
Nut
This nut is rich in L-arginine, which allows it to dilate blood vessels. Several other tree nuts are also excellent sources of L-arginine. Nutritionists recommend soaking nuts for 5-6 hours before consuming them. If you don't like nuts, you can eat almonds, cashews, pine nuts, Brazil nuts or Macadamia nuts.
Rocket
This variety of salad is the food richest in nitrate. Its flavor is a little bitter, which makes many people mix it with other types of salad or sauté it with vegetables.
Spinach
When fresh (not canned), this leafy vegetable is very high in nitrates. This easy-to-eat vegetable can be used to make soups, stews, pasta dishes, or even pizza.
Beet
Several studies indicate that beetroot is an excellent vasodilator which notably reduces blood pressure. Beets are also rich in antioxidants and betalains which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic
Although not very high in nitrates, garlic enhances the effects of the nitric oxide synthase enzyme. Research shows that dietary supplements that contain garlic can lower blood pressure and improve health in a number of ways. Garlic is a very popular vegetable in different countries and it can be added to a large number of dishes.
Parsley
This highly appreciated aromatic plant, which is used in the composition of many food supplements, is a natural vasodilator. Parsley also has several other positive health effects. This herb is often used in restaurants because its taste is not very strong.
Ginger
Ginger is frequently used as a vasodilator. It can dilate blood vessels and facilitate blood circulation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can be eaten fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, and in oil or juice form. In addition to its vasodilating effect, ginger has many other health-enhancing properties.
Cayenne pepper
This spice has a warming effect, which dilates blood vessels. It is not recommended to consume this spice in large quantities but it can be useful to add one to our food.
Rosemary
Fresh rosemary can increase blood flow and this aromatic herb is also delicious. Many people use it especially when cooking chicken or lamb.
Arginine
This amino acid is found in protein-rich foods, such as chicken, turkey, and dairy products. Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, so it is nature's strongest vasodilator.
Hawthorn
This plant has been used for several centuries to treat circulatory and heart problems. It can interact with other heart treatments, so it's important to use it only under the advice of a healthcare professional.
Coffee
Research shows that coffee can improve vasodilation and blood circulation. A study conducted in 2015 indicates that men who consume two or more cups of coffee a day rarely suffer from erectile dysfunction caused by blood circulation problems (source: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id= 10.1371/journal.pone.0123547).
When choosing the most effective natural vasodilator, it is important to consider the wide variety of foods that fall into this category. This can be very useful for people who prefer to avoid drug treatments, however it is necessary to seek the advice of a doctor before consuming foods that have a vasodilating effect. Self-medication is a dangerous practice. Foods can be very effective in vasodilation when their use has been recommended by a health specialist.