Nitric Oxide: The Tiny Molecule with a Big Heart Health Payoff

One of the endothelium’s most important functions is regulating the narrowing and relaxing of the blood vessels. Nobel prize recipient and “Father of Viagra” Professor Dr Lou Ignarro explains the best ways you can keep your endothelium, and thus, your heart healthy.

WORDS HANNAH MAY-LEE WONG

FEATURED EXPERT PROFESSOR DR LOU IGNARRO Professor Emeritus of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The endothelium is a single layer of cells that are found between the lumen — the hollow space where blood flows through — and the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels.

One of the endothelium’s most important functions is regulating the narrowing and relaxing of the blood vessels.

Hence, the endothelium plays an essential role in blood circulation and heart health.

ENDOTHELIUM RELEASES NITRIC OXIDE 

The endothelium releases an important chemical called nitric oxide.

When nitric oxide is released, blood vessels relax and expand, and this improves blood circulation.

“The endothelium is the only cellular network in the entire cardiovascular system that is capable of producing nitric oxide, and so it is essential to maintain a healthy endothelium,” Professor Dr Lou Ignarro elaborates.

“Increased nitric oxide results in increased blood flow to the organs, which supports healthy blood pressure and a healthy cardiovascular system. But for all this to happen, the production house of nitric oxide, the endothelium, needs to be supported,” he adds.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR ENDOTHELIUM HEALTHY

Exercise Regularly

• Research shows that moderate-intensity exercise improves the function of the endothelium.
• This increases nitric oxide levels in the body and promotes the relaxing of the blood vessels.

Supplement Meals with Foods That Increases Nitric Oxide Levels

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet is key to good heart health.
• Some studies have shown that there are certain foods that can help increase nitric oxide levels in the body.
• These include:
  • Grapes
  • Black and red berries
  • Green and black tea
  • Cocoa
  • Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or tuna fish

According to Professor Dr Ignarro, other than the foods mentioned above, supplementing with targeted nutrients like coenzyme Q10, krill and garlic may also help keep the endothelium healthy.

Keep a Healthy Weight and Lower Stress Levels

• These contribute to endothelium health.