Niacin to Lower Cholesterol

Niacin or nicotinic acid is a B vitamin, that belongs to the group of water soluble vitamins. It is usually known as vitamin B3, and it plays an important role in several vital functions, necessary to sustain life. Cholesterol, on the other hand, is an animal fat or sterol, that is mainly required for the synthesis of certain hormones, bile acids and cell wall. However, a high level of cholesterol is known to increase the risk for developing heart disease. The importance of niacin has captured the attention of the world in this regard.

Benefits of Niacin

Niacin or vitamin B3 can play a crucial role in lowering the risk for heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. It can also reduce the risk for cataracts, and promote digestive health. It is essential for healthy skin and nerves, and it takes part in energy production or the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Deficiency of this vital vitamin can cause the disease, pellagra which is characterized by gastrointestinal problems and nervous disorders. In addition to these, vitamin B3 can prove quite beneficial in the treatment or prevention of certain conditions including migraine, Alzheimer's disease, diarrhea, schizophrenia, depression, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Niacin and Cholesterol

One benefit which is most talked about in recent times is, its effect on the level of cholesterol. It has been observed that along with physical activities and dietary restrictions, vitamin B3 can also help to lower cholesterol level. The fat and cholesterol that we consume, goes to the liver, which combines the fats or lipids with proteins to form body's own lipoproteins. There are basically two types of lipoproteins or cholesterol found in human body, low density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol and high density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol.

It is the LDL cholesterol, which is blamed for the increased incidence of heart and cardiovascular diseases and hence, termed as 'bad cholesterol'. The LDL cholesterol is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the liver to the entire body, but its deposition within the arterial wall causes the formation of plaque. This reduces the elasticity of the blood vessels, and impair the smooth flow of blood through them, which can increase the risk for heart or cardiovascular diseases like strokes and heart attacks. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is termed as good cholesterol, as it is good for heart health.

Niacin can lower the level of the harmful LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream and thereby, lower the risk for heart disease. At the same time, it can raise the level of HDL cholesterol by up to 15 to 35 percent. To prevent heart or cardiovascular diseases, having a high level of HDL cholesterol is as important as lowering the level of LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol can remove the excess bad LDL cholesterol from the blood, while promoting heart health. HDL cholesterol transports the excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver to facilitate its removal from the body. So, it increases the level of HDL cholesterol, while lowering the level of LDL cholesterol. Besides this, this vitamin hinders the breakdown of fats by the liver. This brings about a reduction in the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides, produced by the liver. So, the use of niacin can also result in a lower level of triglycerides in the body.

However, excessive niacin in the body can produce certain side effects like hot flushes, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, itching, dizziness, etc. Therefore, never forget to talk to your physician, before taking supplements of niacin for lowering cholesterol. Some of the most important niacin rich foods are fish, red meat, milk and dairy products, rice bran, almonds, celery, carrot, leafy green vegetables and wheat products. However, along with using this vitamin, be sure to drink plenty of water, replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats, avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to prevent the complications, associated with high cholesterol level.