Arginine supports wound healing and detoxification of the body, it peps up the immune system functions and promotes the secretion of several vital hormones (such as insulin and the growth hormone).
Normally, the body manufactures adequate amounts of the amino acid, even if the diet is insufficient in arginine. Conversely, in certain cases, the body may not be able to sustain the additional requirement for the amino acid, and Arginine supplementation could be invaluable.
The Health Benefits of Arginine
There has been a lot of research, clinical study and scientific investigation performed to determine the importance and function of amino acid arginine. The following are the advantages that it proffers :
Prevents and Treats Cardiovascular Diseases: Research and laboratory investigations state that amino acid arginine exerts a powerful effect on the blood vessels. It relaxes the blood vessels, thus improving the blood flow through them. What’s more, arginine supplementation is highly beneficial in the treatment of a host of cardiac disorders. It treats and also helps ward off angina, hypertension, atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure. Arginine achieves these benefits by augmenting nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide regulates blood flow. Thus, with enhanced levels of nitric oxide, the flow of blood improves, and consequently, there is a better fluidity and lesser chances of clot formation.
Has a Favorable Effect in the Management of Male Infertility: Arginine supplements have proved successful in some cases of male infertility. Clinical trials have revealed that arginine supplementation can increase sperm count and also sperm motility appreciably.
Promotes the Secretion of the Human Growth Hormone: An important and popular use of arginine is to encourage the secretion of the human growth hormone from the pituitary. The growth hormone is released by the anterior pituitary gland in spurts throughout the day. The synthesis and secretion of the growth hormone is high during the phase of childhood and adolescence, and it diminishes gradually as one ages. The reduced production of the hormone makes one look and feel older.With advancing age, and diminishing levels of the growth hormone, the skin looses its elasticity and tone, fine lines and wrinkles become evident, bone density decreases, strength, vigor and tolerance levels decrease, energy begins to sap, the immune system gets impaired, fat increases, libido diminishes, and the mood and emotional stability gets drastically affected. Accordingly, keeping the arginine level in the body high, stimulates the release of the growth hormone, and potentially staves off aging. In fact, body builders and fitness enthusiasts often administer arginine supplements to boost lean muscle mass and reduce the fat composition in the body.
Food Sources of Arginine
Foods that provide arginine in abundance are peanuts, almonds, walnuts and chocolate. In addition eggs, seafood, pork skin and cuttlefish are other important sources of arginine.
A supplementary dose of two to eight grams of Arginine is recommended per day. For clinical management of individuals with Congestive Cardiac Failure, the dosage of Arginine can go as high as fifteen grams per day.
Reference:
Altern Med Rev, Appleton, J., Arginine : Clinical Potential of a Semi-Essential Amino Acid, 2002.
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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