If you’re taking any sort of preworkout supplement odds are it contains an amino acid called L-arginine. If you’ve never looked at the label or wondered what does L-arginine do – it’s time to take a minute and learn about the substances you are putting into your body.
What Is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is a chemical building block called “an amino acid.” It is normally obtained from a healthy diet and is necessary for the body to make proteins. L-arginine is found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. It can also be made in a laboratory and can be found in popular preworkout supplements and in some medications.
What Effect Does L-Arginine Have In Your Body?
L-arginine is converted in the body into a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. L-arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in the body. The improved blood flow helps to supply your muscles with much-needed nutrients. Arginine also can promote and stimulate protein production and also has been shown to stimulate the release of insulin which transports protein to muscles. L-Arginine also aids in the manufacturing of creatine, a protein that contributes to muscle mass and power. L-arginine is also necessary to get rid of waste, flush out toxins and it will help the body get rid of creatinine, the waste product associated with the process of manufacturing creatine.
Arginine is very important for producing natural growth hormone and will more than likely elevate your HGH levels to thresholds that are prime for building muscle mass, long after your workout is over.
Benefits of L-Arginine
- Stimulates growth hormone for anti aging benefits
- Counters heart disease and aids in blood pressure regulation
- Improves insulin sensitivity to help normalize blood sugar
- Bolsters the immune system, boosts energy, and increases lean muscle
- Precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO)
- Promotes reproductive health
- Natural alternative for Viagra
- Increases sperm count and motility by 250% in 2 weeks
- Achieves and maintains erections
- Increases fertility and orgasm in women
Is L-Arginine Safe?
L-arginine is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately by mouth short-term. It can cause some side effects such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gout, blood abnormalities, allergies, airway inflammation, worsening of asthma, and low blood pressure. There are not any dosage maximums set by the FDA, so it is better not to over-consume, read your labels and drink plenty of water!
