L-arginine has a ton of benefits that are not just for men. Learn about the many l-arginine benefits for women and how they can improve your health.
The body produces 20 amino acids to help make protein, and l-arginine is one of them.
While the body usually makes the necessary amounts of this amino acid on its own, age and stress-related conditions can have adverse effects on its production.
You can find the amino acid in certain food sources as well as l-arginine supplement powders like L-arginine Plus.
There are various benefits that l-arginine provides, both for men and women.
How It Works
Among other amino acids, l-arginine serves a unique purpose due to its vasodilatory properties.
Once the amino acid enters the body (when taking supplements), it converts to nitric oxide.
According to health professionals at the Mayo Clinic, nitric oxide can widen and open blood vessels, a process called vasodilation.
It also helps treat multiple heart conditions like clogged arteries, heart disease, and chest pain.
Another important characteristic is its ability to support protein production and enhance recovery, whether it’s injury or exercise-related.
Benefits for Pregnant Women
Women who are trying to get pregnant can also find l-arginine beneficial.
One of the many factors related to sperm production is l-arginine levels.
Multiple studies back up the claim that this amino acid helps men with low counts.
Besides taking oral supplements in powder form, using l-arginine creams can help increase blood flow and be helpful for both men and women.
L-arginine Bodybuilding & Weight Loss Benefits
Arginine is essential for creatine synthesis. Creatine helps muscle contraction and supplies energy to every cell in the body.
By delivering energy to all the cells in the body, this amino acid helps reduce fatigue felt during workouts, stimulates the release of growth hormones, and enhances athletic performance.
It can also help individuals with a weight loss goal as it supports the reduction of body fat.
Arginine does this by improving the body’s nitrogen balance, which helps improve metabolism and converts protein into muscle mass.
According to a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology, using these supplements helped participants exercise for longer times and with more efficiency.
Other Benefits
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, by taking l-arginine along with antioxidant vitamins, women can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.
People with migraine headaches also saw a decrease in pain when taking the supplement along with ibuprofen.
Faster recovery times, decreased shock in burn injuries, and enhanced immune functions are among the benefits people can experience with l-arginine.
Things to Keep in Mind
According to the Mayo Clinic, l-arginine is safe for most people, whether they take it orally, intravenously, or when applied on the skin.
Some rare l-arginine side effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vertigo, rashes, hives, bloating, increased blood pressure (in patients with heart transplants), and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Talk with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.