In the bloodstream, iron-rich hemoglobin consumes, on contact, any free nitric oxide released by the blood vessels, so the idea that hemoglobin participates in forming nitric oxide had seemed implausible until recently.

Basically…hemoglobin is the iron rich oxygen transport protein in the red blood cells. That is the easiest way I know to explain it but you could always Google if you feel the need, haha.

But seriously, this new implication for this mighty little molecule is big!

…describe how hemoglobin, through a catalytic reaction that does not change its own chemical properties, converts nitrite salt to the vasodilator nitric oxide. The paper further documents how the nitric oxide activity harnessed by hemoglobin escapes the red blood cell to regulate blood flow and how the process, surprisingly, relies on the oxidized, or rusted, form of hemoglobin, previously associated only with diseased states.

Since nitrite has been the subject of heavy research in the recent, this could further aid in such conditions as sickle cell, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and stroke. This really is an amazing find being that the specifics of hemoglobin’s intermediate molecule has eluded researchers for centuries.  Gosh, I love science!

via Science Daily

Post from: Blisstree

New Function Of Hemoglobin To Aid In Cardiovascular Disease

Eating garlic is one of the best ways to lower high blood pressure and protect yourself from cardiovascular disease. A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) shows this protective effect is closely linked to how much hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is produced from garlic compounds interacting with red blood cells

I hear everybody loud and clear and love me some stinky garlic but… is it whole garlic, fresh garlic, minced garlic, garlic powder or does it matter if the garlic is heated to a certain temperature? This is what I ponder on a Saturday night. How sad! Haha.

So what have you heard? I did catch something on television last week stating that the garlic pills are no good because it is a certain part of the garlic that is imperative in helping in heart disease. Have you heard that same thing? Just thought I would put it out there before I go “funkafying” my breath in a bad way.

via University of Alabama at Birmingham

Post from: Blisstree

Garlic And Blood Pressure- What’s The Real Deal?