Your arteries thrive on nitric oxide—and your plate can fuel it

When most people think of blood pressure, they think of salt. But nitric oxide (NO) is the real molecular MVP. It’s your body’s natural vasodilator, relaxing and widening blood vessels—improving circulation, lowering pressure, and protecting the endothelium (your blood vessel lining). And the best part? You can boost it with food.

What to Eat to Boost Nitric Oxide

Your body produces NO using amino acids like arginine and citrulline, which are found in these whole foods:

• Beets & Beet Juice
  ➤ Rich in dietary nitrates → converted to NO

• Watermelon (especially rind)
  ➤ High in L-citrulline, a precursor to arginine

• Spinach, Arugula, Swiss Chard
  ➤ Leafy greens are nitrate powerhouses

• Pumpkin, Cucumber, Bitter Melon
  ➤ Add variety and bonus nutrients

• Dark Chocolate (~1 oz.)
  ➤ Polyphenols enhance nitric oxide signaling

• Pomegranate & Citrus Fruits
  ➤ Support endothelial function and NO bioavailability

🧪 Research spotlight:
A 2020 review in Frontiers in Nutrition confirmed that dietary nitrate from vegetables significantly reduces systolic blood pressure, especially in hypertensive individuals.

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Why This Matters

NO levels naturally decline with age and stress. Many people (especially those on statins) may have impaired NO production and COQ10 depletion. Supporting this pathway through diet is a safe, evidence-based way to improve cardiovascular function without relying solely on medications. (I spoke about how to measure nitric oxide levels in the blood in this post)

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Try This: “NO Shot” Morning Tonic

• 2 oz beet juice

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Pinch of sea salt

• Dash of pomegranate concentrate

• Shake with ice and sip before a walk

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Let’s Talk:

What’s your favorite way to include NO-boosting foods in your day? Ever tried beet juice before a workout or watermelon before bed?

Comment below or share this post with a friend who could benefit from natural blood pressure support.

Want to learn more about Nitric Oxide?

Listen below to how Nitric Oxide helps the Glycocalyx layer of the arterial walls