Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule in human health, especially cardiovascular health.* Nitric oxide is a gas composed of one molecule of nitrogen and one molecule of oxygen. It is used throughout the human body as a signaling molecule.

Nitric oxide is essential for the healthy function of the circulatory system. It is also known as endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), as it is continuously released by endothelial cells that line the inner walls of healthy blood vessels. This enables blood vessels to relax, supports healthy blood pressure levels, and promotes the circulatory delivery of nutrients throughout the body.*

Nitric oxide is necessary for the healthy function of the immune system, nerves, lungs, liver, kidney, digestion, and the reproductive system.*

Our bodies make nitric oxide by combining the amino acid arginine with oxygen. The enzyme that fuels this reaction is called nitric oxide synthase (NOS).

Performa PlusTM is designed to enhance the production of nitric oxide.* Our grape seed extract is known to boost the activity of NOS.* Our Ginseng (high grade standardized Panax Ginseng CA Meyer) has also been shown to boost the activity of NOS.* By supplying supplemental arginine along with NOS-supportive nutrients Performa Plus is supplying the body with specific nutrients that assist nitric oxide production.*

Panax ginseng is also well regarded as an anti-fatigue nutrient that supports physical stamina.*

A Double Edged Sword

While nitric oxide is vital to healthy function it is also a highly reactive molecule, itself a free radical. At times, this feature is used for specific advantage, as immune cells can "shoot" nitric oxide at germs to kill them.* At other times, nitric oxide can make stressful physical situations worse by contributing to free radical damage.* Our bodies control nitric oxide, in part, through the use of antioxidants.* This is one reason why antioxidant intake is so important to the health of the circulatory system.*

The analogy of a fire burning in the fire place is convenient. Such a fire provides warmth and could be used to cook food. However, a fire burning out-of-control is not a good thing, just as excessive nitric oxide without enough antioxidants is not healthy.*

We often think of using antioxidants to neutralize toxins or chemicals. Nitric oxide is an example where antioxidants help maintain the normal function of a free radical that is essential for healthy cardiovascular function.* The grape seed extract in our Performa PlusTM product not only enhances the production of nitric oxide, but it is an antioxidant that helps keep nitric oxide working in a friendly manner.* Many other antioxidants contribute to such support.*

Penile erection requires the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle, which is triggered by nitric oxide. In one open trial study with 40 men, aged 25-45 years, a combination of pycnogenol and arginine was reported to support healthy male function in 80% of participants following two months of daily use. The dose of arginine was 1.7 grams per day, the dose of pycnogenol was 40 mg - 80 mg per day.*

Nutrients that enhance nitric oxide release are a popular companion for weight lifters. The idea is to help promote circulation to the muscles during exercise and thereby support the muscle response to exercise.*

Blood Pressure Tips

Leptin is the single most important hormone in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It is vital that individuals eat in harmony with this hormone to maintain circulatory health. This is explained in the book The Leptin Diet.

Exercise helps many aspects of circulation and cardiovascular health. Consistency is vital. Dietary supplements are another to help maintain blood pressure levels that are already in the normal range.*

In addition to the nitric oxide support of Performa PlusTM, other popular supplements include:

RelaxaMagTM or Muscle MagTM - Magnesium is important for artery (smooth muscle) relaxation.* Glycine in RelaxaMagTM helps calm nerves.*

Leptinal® - Fatty acids and a pomegranate extract that support healthy endothelial cell function and heart function.*

Cardio HelperTM - Supports fluid movement and water balance.*

Q10 - Q10 helps support circulation both as an antioxidant as an energy support nutrient.*

Daily Super ETM - Tocotrienols are incorporated into endothelial cells lining the vascular system, acting as a fat-soluble antioxidant.*

Super Immune BoosterTM - Contains olive leaf extract. Various animal studies show it supports healthy blood pressure function.*

Quercetin and Pyc 50 Bioflavonoids that support healthy endothelial and blood pressure function.*

As you can see, there are numerous nutrients that participate in the health of the circulatory system.* Important nutrients can be obtained by eating five servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Dietary supplementation is a great way to boost dietary intake with standardized concentrates of the finest nutrients available.*