How the amino acid Arginine works
Arginine is an important amino acid for the body, as it improves healing, strengthens the immune system and eliminates toxins from the body. In addition, it helps improve muscle performance and facilitates the gain of lean mass.
Arginine can be found in various foods, such as cheese, nuts, chestnuts, beans or cocoa and, therefore, can be supplemented naturally through diet.
However, arginine can also be used in supplement form, especially by athletes, as it reduces muscle fatigue and promotes muscle mass gain.
Benefits
1. Helps in gaining muscle mass
1. Helps with muscle mass gain
Arginine is very useful in the process of gaining muscle mass.
It promotes increased blood flow to the muscles, helps improve muscle strength and endurance, as it composes muscle fibers. It also acts to combat free radicals, which can interfere with the process of gaining muscle mass.
In addition, arginine also stimulates the secretion of the hormone GH, which also plays an essential role in gaining muscle mass.
2. Preventing muscle fatigue
Arginine promotes the production of nitric oxide, which acts by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and improving the contractile capacity of the muscle, which helps to reduce and prevent fatigue. In addition, arginine reduces the concentration of lactate in the muscle, which is also associated with fatigue.
3. Improving immunity
Arginine also helps to improve the functioning of blood cells responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system.
4. Helping with healing
Arginine also has anti-inflammatory action and acts directly on cellular metabolism, helping in the process of tissue regeneration and promoting healing.
5. Detoxify the body
This amino acid also acts directly on the liver, promoting the elimination of substances that are in excess in the body. In addition, it promotes the elimination of free radicals, which can also have consequences for the proper functioning of the body.
6. Strengthen and moisturize hair
Arginine is one of the amino acids that make up the protein keratin, which is responsible for keeping hair stronger, in addition to being essential for ensuring that the hair is well hydrated. Therefore, consuming foods rich in arginine helps to make hair stronger and more hydrated.
7. Helps treat impotence
This amino acid increases the production of nitric oxide, which, due to its vasodilatory effect, can promote erection and its maintenance due to the increase in the amount of blood that reaches the site. In some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of an arginine supplement to complement medical treatment. >>learn more about promoting erection >>
8. Prevents cancer
According to some studies, the action of arginine on cell metabolism could reduce the likelihood of tumor alterations, as well as the elimination of free radicals that favor the development of tumors. However, more studies are still needed to prove this effect.
Foods rich in arginine
Arginine can be easily found in some foods such as cheese, yogurt, nuts, cocoa and chestnuts, for example, and it is important that they are part of a healthy and balanced diet recommended by a nutritionist.
See the complete list of foods rich in arginine
In addition, arginine can be found in powder or capsule form in health food stores or compounding pharmacies. >> Learn more >>
Arginine, whether through food or supplements, should be part of a healthy diet and can be consumed alone or combined with other nutrients such as selenium, vitamin A or omega 3, for example.
When to take an arginine supplement
An arginine supplement may be indicated when it is not possible to obtain the ideal amounts of this amino acid through food, which makes the process of gaining mass difficult. Therefore, it is mainly recommended for bodybuilding athletes and for people who have an intense training routine and want to enhance muscle mass gain.
Before starting to use the supplement, it is important to consult a nutritionist or nutritionist.
Arginine supplements can be found in powder or capsule form and, in general, the daily recommendation is up to 3 grams of the powder supplement, which should be diluted in water, or 1 to 2 500 mg capsules up to 3 times a day or according to the guidance of a nutritionist or nutritionist.