Why is vascular nutrition so important? Your vascular system delivers oxygen-rich blood

to cells throughout your body. Youthful, properly nourished vessels are flexible. This

elasticity allows them to deliver a healthy flow of blood throughout the body, providing

nutrition to your cells.

HARDENING OF THE ARTERIES

As we age, the walls of our arteries may thicken and become rigid, while at the

same time, deposits or cholesterol-laden plaques can build up along the lining of

the vessels. This process is called atherosclerosis, commonly known as

“hardening of the arteries.” As the heart pumps blood through a now-smaller

opening in the vessel, blood pressure rises and puts stress on the heart and other parts

of the body.

NOBEL† PRIZEWINNING RESEARCH

So how can you preserve the health of your vessels? Dr. Ignarro’s breakthrough

research tells us that Nitric Oxide, a naturally occurring compound in your

body, is the key to healthy vessels. And conversely, Nitric Oxide deficiency can

contribute to serious ailments that typically occur with aging.

Through vascular nutrition, you can increase the production of Nitric Oxide,

which “exercises” or expands your vessels, increasing their youthful elasticity.

In addition, Nitric Oxide is an important biological messenger that causes a

cascade of benefits at the cellular level which can improve circulatory, immune and nervous-system function.

NITRIC OXIDE DEFICIENCY AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and untimely death in

North America and is sometimes associated with Nitric Oxide deficiency.

The diseases resulting from Nitric Oxide (NO) deficiency include hypertension,

stroke, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease,

gastrointestinal ulcers and erectile dysfunction. A healthy vascular

endothelium is essential to a healthy cardiovascular system because it is

required for normal NO production and action. Vascular-endothelial dysfunction

leads to decreased NO production and increased oxidative stress, creating a

vicious cycle that promotes further endothelial dysfunction.

PROMOTING A HEALTHY ENDOTHELIUM

The most important mechanism by which the body stimulates endothelial NO

production is exercise. Physical activity promotes blood flow through the millions

of arteries in the body and the friction of the blood flowing against the endothelial

cells lining the arteries stimulates the production of NO. This is how exercise

promotes not only a healthy heart and healthy cardiovascular system, but also a

healthy body, and it’s all due to the work of NO to promote Cellular Nutrition®.

nutritional supplements can increase the production and action of endothelium derived

NO. These natural substances include L-arginine and L-citrulline, which

serve as the body’s fuel to make NO, and L-taurine, vitamin C, vitamin E and

alpha-lipoic acid, which work to protect NO against oxidative destruction by free

radicals.  When taken together at the same time, these natural ingredients may

enable endothelial cells to produce more NO for a healthy endothelium, lower

blood pressure and protect against cardiovascular disease.

healthy is through diet. A sensible diet that is low in fats and carbohydrates, but

rich in proteins, will go a long way in promoting cardiovascular health.

Decreased fat intake greatly reduces the body’s production of destructive free

radicals and decreased dietary carbohydrates limit the intake of calories.

Eating a high-protein diet maintains muscle mass and energy levels. The

combination of high protein plus low carbohydrates and fats can result in

substantial weight loss, which further promotes a healthy cardiovascular

system.

A WINNING COMBINATION

The three lifestyle changes outlined–mild to moderate exercise, a high-protein diet

and supplementation–have something in common: they all play a role in

enhancing the production and action of endothelium-derived Nitric Oxide.

For this reason, exercise, diet and supplementation are a winning

combination for maintaining and improving your endothelial health–and

a healthy endothelium means a healthy heart.  When you combine their

results, you can easily see how your overall health and general wellbeing

can improve.