L-Citrulline can be obtained from supplements or from foods. When two amino acids, citrulline and arginine are combined, our body’s cells are encouraged to produce a beneficial gas called nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide can reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. L-Citrulline also helps reduce lactic acid and ammonia in your muscle tissues, as well as promotes energy and assists the immune system.
Evidence also suggests the supplement could possibly help lower blood pressure in people with prehypertension (early warning signs for high blood pressure).
This Prehypertension raises your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
L-citrulline may ease symptoms of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) and appears to be a safe option.
Animal studies suggest L-citrulline might also help people with blood vessel problems such as slow wound healing problems due to diabetes.
Early human studies did also tend to suggest that L-citrulline may be helpful for Parkinson’s disease and certain dementias.
Bodybuilders and athletes also take L-citrulline to build muscles and improve athletic performance.
L-Citrulline Effects
Citrulline, on consumption, becomes the pre-cursor to L-Arginine.
As hinted above, L-citrulline is well-known for its supportive role in circulation and heart health.
It cuts blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and assist in removing any blockages.
This circulation effect yields positive effects on other systems throughout the body, including sexual health, the healing of wounds, and pain due to inflammation.
This compound further enhances blood flow through arteries, and also increases the amount of growth hormone in the body.
In the brain, increased circulation delivers blood and nutrients to neural tissue, keeping it limber and encouraging rapid growth of neural structures like synapses and neurons, all of these functions help support healthy neural function, particularly as it pertains to memory.
Foods Containing L-Citrulline
One of the richest sources of citrulline is watermelon and citrulline is found in both the fruit and the rind.
The results of a study published in October 2010 on Florida State University’s College of Human Sciences’ website suggest that the amino acids in watermelon can effectively fight pre-hypertension before it becomes a cardiovascular disease.
In addition to the positive effects on arterial function and blood pressure, watermelon is full of vitamins A, B-6, and C, plus potassium, fiber, and lycopene, which is an antioxidant.
Other fruit sources of citrulline are cucumbers and other varieties of melons.
Onions and garlic are other sources of citrulline, and also help protect against diseases that affect the heart, veins, and arteries.
Chickpeas, contain citrulline, as do peanuts and soy.
However, the citrulline one acquires from such foods helps maintain the body’s acid balance.
The liver is one of the few foods with a high level of citrulline, as well as salmon and red meat. Citrulline is necessary for detoxifying the liver from ammonia, which is a waste product in the body.
Almonds and walnuts contain citrulline, which is found in very high concentrations in walnut seedlings, but much less so in the kernels and nuts.
This information is according to a 2001 article in “Tree Physiology”. Dark chocolate is another source of citrulline.
Citrulline Benefits
L-Citrulline promotes blood circulation and the release of human growth hormone, HGH.
The supplement can increase resistance to injury and illness, and help supports high functioning immunity in all systems of the body.
It speeds recovery from cuts and surgeries and also contributes to bone strength.
For men’s sexual health, L-Citrulline is thought to have similar effects on prescription drug Viagra and is an excellent therapy for high blood pressure.
More circulation and oxygen results in sharper, clearer thoughts for the brain, as short-term memory, long-term memory, and recall are all enhanced.
Furthermore, L-Citrulline has been suggested as a natural treatment for Parkinson’s disease. This is because it may help those patients achieve a higher degree of mental control.
Citrulline Side Effects
Citrulline is considered very safe and has no known significant side effects.
However, do not combine it with prescription medications for high blood pressure, since adding this supplement may reduce blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Also, it is wise to discontinue any use of erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra or Cialis while taking Citrulline, as this may result in low blood pressure.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to take it at all, but Citrulline is still considered safe for use by adults and children.