Our heart is one of our bodies’ most important organs. It pumps blood throughout our body and to our brain and keeps us going from day to day. We have heard studies about what to do for a healthy heart such as exercise, eat a balanced diet, take certain vitamins and minerals, eat certain foods, avoid these foods, and so on. We may watch and read all these things and wonder what really does keep our heart healthy and what else we can do to help prevent heart problems, such as heart disease as well as many other health concerns.

 
According to Readers Digest.com, “Heart Disease Risk Factor #1 Nitric Oxide”  Nitric Oxide or NO is produced in the blood vessel’s lining and it increases blood flow, prevents fatty foods or deposits from sticking to the blood vessel walls and prevents these walls from getting to thick which prevents the arteries from narrowing.  John P. Cooke, M.D., P.H.D, head of Standard University vascular unit and one of the first researchers to pinpoint NO’s role in cardiovascular health, says, “The lining of the vessel is very important for cardiac health” “When the lining or endothelium is healthy, its like Teflon and things don’t stick.” “When it’s unhealthy, it becomes more like Velcro attracting blood borne gunk like flies to flypaper.

The major causes of heart disease and other heart problems include: being overweight, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, high blood pressure high levels of homocysteine and lipoprotein.   All these conditions cause damage to the blood vessel lining, and this damage does not help create enough NO. More NO can be created and damage can be repaired through exercise and nutrition. Supplements like arginine and drugs like aspirin and statins can also help.

 
Some foods and tips that can help increase NO and help with heart health include:  eating more foods with the amino acid arginine such as, beans, soy, almonds, walnuts, oats, salmon, tuna and mackerel. Cutting the intake of saturated fats and exercising daily can in the long run can help increase production of NO in the body.

Nitric Oxide and increasing levels of it in the heart and body can help against heart disease and other heart problems or concerns, but it is also important to consult a doctor about the appropriate levels of this to have. Too much of this may lead to other concerns.  Also, it is important for everyone to keep eating a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain good health.