Benefits of L Arginine

The benefits of l-arginine include enhancing the function of the immune system, helping to detoxify the liver, and helping with fertility in men. L arginine also plays a vital role in the release of both insulin and growth hormones in the body.

What is L-Arginine?

L-Arginine is one of the non-essential amino acids which means, that it can be produced by the body.

Amino acids are compulsory for our health and well being and are the basic components in all cells and are also known as the building blocks of protein.

Although it can be produced in the body, l-arginine is also available as a supplement and can be found in food. If you maintain a healthy and balanced diet then it is most likely that you will not need l-arginine supplements.

What are the Foods High in Arginine?

Some of the foods high in arginine include chocolate, carob, peanuts, coconut, almond, soybeans, diary products, white flour, meat, oats, walnuts, and wheat.

What are the Health Benefits of L-arginine

Let's talk about the benefits of taking l-arginine:

• Immune Enhancer: One of the effects of l-arginine on the body is to raise thymus gland activity. The thymus gland manufactures T-cells and the more T-cells the body has the stronger the bodies immune system is. L arginine benefits the body by helping to create more T-cells and this in turn can help to slow down tumor growth, cancer, and help with diseases such as AIDS, which suppress the body's immune system.
• Arginine-nitric oxide relation: L-arginine is helpful in nitric oxide synthesis. Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to heart and brain. Therefore, l-arginine supplements may be beneficial for anyone suffering from heart and blood vessel problems.
• Arginine-Weight loss and bodybuilding: L arginine supplements are very common among body builders and those wishing to loose weight. Arginine helps to decrease the amount of fat in the body by helping to metabolize protein. This is done by improving the nitrogen balance in the body and the body is therefore able to convert protein into muscle mass more easily.(Read more about L-Arginine for Bodybuilding.)
• Infertility: Arginine increases sperm count. Studies have shown that a high arginine dosage can be extremely beneficial for men who have low sperm counts. Arginine can also be used as a natural treatment for erection problems. This is due to the fact that arginine helps to increase the blood flow to the genital area by stimulating nitric oxide in the body.

L-Arginine Side Effects:

In order to fully understand l-arginine side effects, more studies need to be carried out. It has however, been identified that that growing children, people with herpes or schizophrenic conditions should not be given l-arginine supplements. For more information on this you should consult your doctor or nutritionist who will advise you better.

How to Supplement the L-Arginine Amino Acid

All amino acids should be consumed in a balanced way and the l-arginine amino acid is no different. Our bodies need all the essential and non-essential amino acids in order to function properly. Taking more of one amino acid can diminish the effects of another. For example taking too much arginine will lessen the effect of the amino acid lysine and vice versa.

Another important point when supplementing amino acids is to look for the L-form amino acids. L-form amino acids are the closest to the natural form of amino acid that is derived from food.