L-citrulline is a nonessential amino acid, meaning it is already made in the body, and it is found in many foods such as legumes, milk, fish, and meat. As a precursor to the amino acid L-arginine, it boosts the production of nitric oxide in the body.

Nitric oxide helps blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. As a result, taking in more citrulline has multiple benefits — primarily supporting cardiovascular health, athletic performance, and erectile function.

A proper diet combined with lifestyle habits can go a long way in boosting your wellness!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the food sources that are rich in citrulline and aid nitric oxide production.
• Find out where the name citrulline comes from and why watermelon is such a strong source.
• Discover how to support your heart health for your overall health.*

Table of Contents:

1. The Food Source Powerhouses of Citrulline
2. Melon
3. Pumpkin
4. Cucumber
5. Beets
6. Leafy Greens
7. Support Your Health

The Food Source Powerhouses of Citrulline

Citrulline is abundant in several food items that would be beneficial to incorporate for anyone looking to increase nitric oxide production in the body, improve blood flow, maintain blood pressure in normal ranges, and improve cardiovascular health. Below are a few of the food sources that are known to be powerhouses for citrulline.

Melon

The name citrulline comes from the Latin term for watermelon, Citrullis vulgaris. So, needless to say, citrulline is most notably found in watermelon. However, it is found in many different types of melon, all high in antioxidants, very hydrating, and abundant in vitamin C. In addition to red and yellow watermelon, citrulline is also present in melons like cantaloupe, casaba, mouse, and horned melons. All of these have a host of minerals and offer many heart-health and blood pressure benefits.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a good source of citrulline. It contains the plant compound beta-carotene, which makes pumpkins an excellent source of vitamin A and serves as an antioxidant, helping aid nitric oxide production.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are an excellent source of citrulline. Similarly to watermelon, they are extremely hydrating, containing more than 90% water. They are abundant in antioxidants and vitamins and assist with blood flow.

Beets

Beets are a food that contain citrulline as they are rich in nitrates, making them readily available to be converted into nitric oxide. Beets are not only linked to heart health and circulation, but a number of other health benefits as well like cognitive function and athletic performance improvement.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage are full of nitrates, and they are then converted to nitric oxide inside the body. Eating these types of greens can help to maintain proper levels in the blood and tissues, supporting blood pressure and heart health.

Support Your Health

While citrulline intake and nutrition play an important role in your overall heart health and wellness, it's also important to implement exercise, recovery, and lifestyle habits.

Move your body each day, make cardio a priority a few times a week where you get your heart rate up, stretch and rest after activity, and do your best to eliminate irritants in your day to day life.

When you support your heart, you support your overall health.*