What is nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring gas found in the body that functions as a neurotransmitter, or signaling molecule, and essentially commands the body to widen and relax the blood vessels. The result is an increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body and, most importantly for bodybuilders, the muscles. This process occurs in each of us all the time, in fact without NO we would not be alive. Each time your arms need additional blood for movement or warmth for example, the body produces more NO. After a large meal, NO is also produced to help your body digest the food. NO is also responsible for relaxing the blood vessels in the penis in order to achieve an erection.

What are the benefits of nitric oxide supplements?

While our bodies do produce nitric oxide naturally, the amounts are limited. The purpose of NO supplements is to kick your body’s natural NO production into overdrive. When taken as part of a daily regime, nitric oxide supplements provide bodybuilders with many benefits.

The first major benefit is the pumped, rock hard vein look that many bodybuilders strive for. The muscles naturally take on this look after an intense workout, but the results are only temporary and fade in a matter of hours. When you take NO supplements, however, nitric oxide production in the body continues throughout the day, which means that you can keep that vein popping, engorged look all day long. Imagine finishing your early morning workout and walking around the rest of the day looking as if you had just left the gym!

Another benefit to taking NO supplements is that the increased blood flow to the muscles allows for greater oxygen delivery during workouts, which is when our muscles need it the most. This allows you to power through intense workouts with renewed energy, resulting in faster muscle mass gains, increased strength and endurance. Muscle recovery times are also reduced thanks to nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is also very beneficial in that it allows bodybuilders to quickly absorb key nutrients that they need before, during and after workouts by helping to digest food more rapidly. In addition it helps to control blood pressure, improving blood flow during workouts and reducing that flow while the body is at rest.

Finally, one of the most important benefits is the role nitric oxide plays in increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing for the blood vessels to relax and swell into an erection. Users of NO supplements often report an increase in sexual energy, which is always a plus!

Who needs nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide supplements are designed primarily for bodybuilders and even “weekend warriors” who are looking for that extra edge. Older bodybuilders also benefit from NO supplements as well since the body’s natural nitric oxide production slows as you age, especially if you’re over 40.

Either way, if you’re looking to gain lean mass in record time and increase your strength and endurance while reducing muscle recovery time, then nitric oxide is definitely for you!