Whether you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight or lose a couple extra pounds, you may be able to take arginine for weight loss purposes.
If you want to lose weight, there are various things you can do to shed some pounds. Exercise and a healthy diet are the main things you can do, but did you know that arginine may also help?
Arginine (or L-arginine) is an amino acid that serves multiple functions like building proteins, improving circulation, and enhancing metabolism. Moreover, it can help with muscle development and you can find it through dietary sources such as milk and meat.
According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, l-arginine helps improve DNA synthesis. Furthermore, l-arginine supplements may help improve the regeneration of small-intestinal mucosa.
L-arginine supplements can provide various benefits, and some of those benefits may extend to weight loss.
L-arginine and Metabolism
One of the things l-arginine supplements can do to help with weight loss is burn fat while retaining muscle mass. As the body uses fat as a source of energy, l-arginine promotes overall metabolism and muscle mass formation.
One study shows that l-arginine is effective at retaining muscle mass. As part of the study, 300 overweight males with type 2 diabetes took either l-arginine or a placebo.
Participants had a daily 1,000 calorie limit and had to exercise 90 minutes each day, 5 days per week. The results show that the placebo group lot 40% of their muscle mass while the l-arginine group only lost fat.
How Much to Take
If you’re planning to use l-arginine supplements to help with weight loss, you should start small and gradually increase the dosage. Not only will this help decrease the risk of any side effects, it may help improve its effectiveness.
Slowly increasing the intake of l-arginine may stimulate more fat burning. Follow the recommended servings provided by the product or as directed by a healthcare provider.
Taking between 5g and 10g of l-arginine will help limit any potential side effects, which are rare.
Additional Benefits
Another benefit of l-arginine is its ability to help minimize adipose tissue – or belly fat. While overall weight loss is important, belly fat needs special attention as it increases the risk of heart disease.
Supplements may also increase human growth hormone (HGH) levels, which may help promote metabolism. However, this happens when l-arginine is taken in large amounts and may result in gastrointestinal side effects.
Lastly, l-arginine supplements may also help enhance workouts by improving energy levels. By increasing nitric oxide production, they help dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow and oxygen delivery.
The Outlook
L-arginine provides various benefits when it comes to blood flow, heart health, and even weight loss. Some studies point to its ability to effectively retain muscle mass when working out and dieting.
When choosing a supplement, look for one that is both effective and safe to take like L-arginine Plus. Its formula consists of 5,110mg of l-arginine in addition to 1,010mg of l-citrulline and various key vitamins and minerals.
However, it’s important to remember that a supplement works in tangent with healthy habits such as regular exercise and healthy diets. The best solution to a healthy weight is to practice habits that will naturally boost your health.