subject: The Sexual Health Benefits of L-Arginine [print this page] L-Arginine (sometimes just called "Arginine") is a non-essential amino acid. It can be found in many foods such as dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, oatmeal, peanuts, walnuts, seeds, chick peas, and many more. It can also be produced within the human body- hence its classification as "non-essential".
L-Arginine is commonly used to improve sexual health because it dilates the blood vessels in the penis, improving circulation, and making it easier to obtain and maintain an erection. It does this by increasing the supply of nitric oxide in the body. Because Arginine is a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, a larger supply of Arginine in the body results in greater nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a chemical that signals the blood vessels to dilate, which results in greater blood flow. It also increases the sexual responsiveness of the penis and clitoris, lowering the stimulus threshold necessary for arousal.
Arginine has been shown to yield many other health benefits as well, including regulating blood pressure, reducing plaque build-up, and lowering cholesterol. Arginine is also necessary for the synthesis of creatine, a chemical that helps in the development of lean-muscle mass, increases muscle cell volume, increases muscle work capacity.
In Conclusion, Arginine provides a great deal of health benefits. It can improve sexual function in men with- and without- erectile dysfunction. And, it can boost the immune system, and improve circulation. Men who have suffered a recent heart attack should not supplement Arginine, because it has been shown to be dangerous for recent heart attack victims. You should consult your physician before beginning any supplement regimen.
