Niacin is known as vitamin B3. It helps in many different metabolic processes in the body. It works by providing energy on a cellular level and by maintaining human cell health, which is essential for just about every process within the body. Besides providing energy to the cells from the entire body, niacin is also responsible for the integrity of these cells. Some of the processes niacin participates are: Antioxidant effect, Blood sugar control, Decrease of cholesterol levels, Detoxification,Production of adrenal , hormones,Production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, Production of sex hormones. Vitamin B3 will also turn fat into energy, as it is also involved in fat metabolism. Vitamin B3 has numerous health benefits, which mankind has slowly discovered over span of many years. Niacin mainly comes in 3 types or forms-nicotinic acid and Niacinamide, Inositol Hexaniacinate for aiding several people in the form of supplement tablets or doses. Nicotinic acid helps reduce high blood cholesterol levels, whereas Niacinamide may be found in nutritional supplements. Below are detailed some of the most important health benefits of this vitamin B3.
Health Benefits of Niacin (Vitamin B3):
Circulation and Heart Health: When you eat foods that contain niacin, you can prevent heart disease and maintain good circulation. It has been found that niacin may lower cholesterol levels and prevent cholesterol from settling into the arteries and liver. Additionally, it prevents atherosclerosis, which is a condition that may prevent proper blood circulation.
Diabetes Prevention: Researchers are still trying to identify why, but they are beginning to discover that diabetes may be affected by niacin consumption. Some people have been able to delay their need for supplemental insulin by using niacin as a supplement.
Muscle and Joint Help: Niacin increases the strength of your muscles and it also reduces pain and fatigue in the muscles and joints. Preliminary research has found that niacin may improve joint mobility in people with osteoarthritis, lessening the need for anti-inflammatory medications.
Digestive Benefits: Eating healthy foods is not beneficial unless the nutrients are absorbed through the digestive system. Niacin aids in nutrient absorption so that you are getting the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are needed for optimal health. It should be noted, however, that high doses of niacin have been found to potentially exacerbate digestive problems such as nausea and acid reflux. Taking niacin before bed with a light snack may prevent these digestive symptoms.
Reduces Cholesterol LDL: Intake of large quantity of niacin such as 1100 or more milligrams in a day has been proven to considerably reduce the bad cholesterol LDL and raising the good cholesterol HDL for preventing the thickening of artery walls.
Water-soluble: Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that can travel through the human blood stream and body has the option to discharge excess vitamins through the process of urination. Therefore, such vitamins may be administered to human beings through food and liquid, as our body does need a constant supply.
Foodstuff: Vitamin B3 may be found in meat, turkey, tuna fish, eggs, poultry products, curds, brewer’s yeasts, peanuts, legumes, potatoes, cheese, brown rice, oats, barley, wheat flakes and milk. Foodstuffs like bread and cereals are also rich in niacin. Even tryptophan rich foods like yoghurt and eggs may boost niacin levels.
Effective against Diabetes: Niacin is known to treat diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Most of diabetic patients have been able to effectively control HBA1C level with help of niacin.
Balances Hormones Level: It has been found that niacin can balance the hormone levels within the body, which can in turn have numerous health benefits. Niacin helps to regulate sex hormones and supplementing with niacin or eating more niacin rich foods may help improve one’s sex life.
Useful for Brain Health: Research has found that high levels of dietary niacin may be associated with a lower risk of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Niacin deficiency is also associated with depression and overall mental impairment.
Increases Energy: Niacin works within the body to improve energy levels partly because it helps the body achieve optimal nutrient absorption. When the body is getting the nutrients that are needed you will feel more energetic because everything is functioning normally.
Helpful against Pellagra: People with weak muscles, indigestion problems, skin irritations or pellagra may have severe vitamin B3 deficiency. Such people need to have an increased dosage of vitamin B3 supplements.
Caution: As you know that excess of everything is bad. Although niacin is essential for the body’s function, too much can have serious side effects. Too much niacin can cause something called the “niacin flush,” which causes the skin on the face and chest to turn red. Excessive doses of niacin may also cause liver problems and stomach ulcers. Niacin may also interfere with certain medications such as aspirin, antibiotics, blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure-lowering drugs. Be sure to consult with your physician before supplementing with niacin.
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