Any serious bodybuilder has heard the supplements based on Nitric Oxide. Such supplements not only provide a pleasant feeling of pump in the muscle, but also contribute to muscle growth and development, as well as energy increase. Most of the trainees use nitric oxide supplements to boost their nitric oxide levels and get that “muscle pump” and “vascularity” effect. A few of them, however, know that they can use natural ingredients like rose hips or pomegranate juice for the same purpose.
Researchers from the University of Los Angeles recently found that pomegranate juice is an effective tool that protects nitrogen oxide from oxidative destruction.
In the laboratory tests researchers compared the effect of pomegranate extract on nitric oxide versus the same effect caused by other sources rich in antioxidants, such as grapes, blueberries, red wine and vitamins C and E.
Pomegranate has proven as the most effective in protecting the nitric oxide levels. In some cases the effect of pomegranate was up to 300 times stronger than the effect from they got from other sources. Researchers determined on the basis of this data that pomegranate contains a powerful antioxidant combination, responsible for the beneficial effect on nitric oxide.
If you want to use pomegranate in a proper way, drink about 6.5 ounces of pomegranate juice with 20-30 grams of whey immediately before training. This shake will protect the nitrogen oxide and ensure better pumps during the workout. Not only that, but you’ll also provide your body with about 40 grams of carbs for energy.
The pomegranate contains four types of sugars – fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. The average amount of fructose in pomegranates is about 6.6 grams per 100 grams. The average amount of glucose in pomegranates is 6.14 grams per 100 grams and the average amount of sucrose is 0.1 grams per 100 grams. Maltose is only found in trace amounts that couldn’t be quantified.
Pomegranate has a really sour taste, so you can dilute it with some water and mix it with the protein. Protein powders with vanilla or strawberry taste would be ideal choice for this purpose.
