What is L-Citrulline good for?
The number one ingredient people look for in pre-workouts is caffeine, but when it comes to sustained energy, there is a lot more to consider. Beyond holistic eating, several other organic compounds, like L-Citrulline, L-Taurine, and Beta-Alanine can effectively boost energy levels.
When you understand the many ways your body creates energy, there’s the realization that energy can be obtained from tons of sources beyond caffeine. And using food or organic compounds for energy is great for people who are caffeine sensitize. But, by all means, use a product that contains both caffeine and other ingredients for a complete boost.
Body Complete Rx’s Perform Pre-Workout Powder uses 2.5 grams of L-Citrulline, 1.2 grams of Beta-Alanine, and 1 gram of L-Taurine coupled with 150 mg of natural caffeine (from green tea.)
Caffeine is not your sole source of energy
The conversion from the essential amino acid, L-citrulline, to energy begins when citrulline is broken down by the body and transformed into L-arginine and nitric oxide. This is where L-citrulline becomes a source of energy; when it’s changed into L-arginine, the new compound can be catabolized to produce energy.
However, arginine isn’t the only way citrulline boosts energy. It hits your body with increased energy with a two-in-one whammy. Ingestion of the amino acid also increases nitric oxide levels in your body. Now we know what you’re going to ask. What’s nitric oxide, and how does nitric oxide increase energy levels?
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it encourages blood vessels to dilate. When blood vessels are expanded oxygen, nutrients, and blood moves more efficiently throughout your body.
Increased oxygen levels do three helpful things for active people:
- Stimulates blood flow
- Dilates veins
- Reduces muscle fatigue
Coupled with nutrients, oxygen is necessary to create something called adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP. This is then used as a fuel source for cell function. Without adequate oxygen levels, your cells won’t produce enough energy for the task at hand. In simpler terms: not enough oxygen for cell function means you will unquestionably drag your heels throughout the entire day.
The best uses of L-Citrulline are for:
- Improved athletic performance
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing oxygen levels
- Healthy lungs and heart
For increased oxygen and training purposes, it’s recommended to take 6 grams a day for seven days to see an improvement in athletic performance. Enhanced oxygen levels result in more energy and a speedier recovery.
Foods containing L-Citrulline
Of course, you can take an L-Citrulline supplement to improve athletic performance, but you can also eat the amino acid by adding certain fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Foods that naturally contain L-Citrulline include:
- Watermelon
- Cucumbers
- Pumpkins
Other nitrate-rich vegetables include:
- Beetroots
- Kale
- Arugula
- Chard
- Leeks
- Parsley
- Radishes
Although, generally thought as a safe supplement, be careful not to overdo it. Heavy use of L-citrulline, not from the non-essential amino acid directly but indirectly, could be damaging. Citrulline could cause too much creatinine to be made within the body. And too much of a good thing could lead to kidney damage.
Body Complete Rx’s Perform Pre-Workout Powder uses a safe amount of L-citrulline, leaving plenty of room for nitrate-rich diets and foods that naturally contain L-Citrulline. The 2.5 grams of L-Citrulline gives your body L-arginine and more oxygen, allowing you to take your workouts to new heights.