There are many health benefits of niacin, the most important of which is lowering levels of cholesterol. Know about the many health benefits of niacin in the article below.
Niacin is a therapeutic vitamin, which aids in curing a number of body ailments. In simple terms, niacin is Vitamin B3, which is an important vitamin for the body. Niacin is actually one of the eight water soluble types of Vitamin B. There are two forms of niacin, namely nicotinic acid and niacinamide. It is essential for cell metabolism and for absorption of carbohydrates. Reducing cholesterol levels in the body is one of the major niacin health benefits known.
What are the Health Benefits of Niacin
Among the food sources, niacin is found in dairy, poultry, fish, lean meat, nuts and eggs. If you are a vegan, you will want to make sure you consume sufficient amount of nuts, so that you do not suffer from a niacin deficiency. The many health benefits of niacin include, good blood circulation, healthy skin, and memory boosting power. Niacin also helps in releasing energy into the body cells. It is useful in treating respiratory or vascular disorders. Now let’s look at the health benefits in detail.
Helps in Digestion and Increases Secretion of Stomach Fluids
One of the many benefits of niacin includes aiding in the normal functioning of the human digestive system, which improves digestive health. Niacin normalizes the secretion of bile and stomach fluids, which helps in digestion. It also helps in promoting a healthy appetite. Improvement in the process of digestion helps achieve a glowing skin.
Lowers Cholesterol
A number of heart patients are prescribed high doses of niacin, as they help in reducing the level of bad cholesterol, (also known as LDL) in the body. Not only does niacin reduce bad cholesterol, it also helps in raising the levels of good cholesterol, or HDL, in the body. High levels of HDL prevents thickening of the artery walls, thus leading to a healthy heart functioning.
Helps in Treating Pellagra
People who have weak muscles, indigestion problems, skin irritations or pellagra, often have an underlying deficiency of Vitamin B3. Including a diet rich in B3, and vitamin B3 supplements are recommended for such people.
Aids in Treating Skin Problems
Niacin is beneficial for skin problems such as skin reactions, acne, etc. As mentioned above, it helps improve digestive functioning, which directly affects the health of your skin. It is also helpful in treating teeth and gum problems.
Helps in Treating Neurological Problems
People suffering from neurological problems, such as Bell’s Palsy, and trigeminal neuralgia have benefited from the use of niacin supplements. These supplements are also used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Niacin is also known to be a memory enhancer.
Aids in Treating Sleep Disorders
People who suffer from sleep disorders benefit a lot from the intake of niacin. It is helpful in inducing sleep, thereby reducing insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Not only does niacin help in keeping the cholesterol levels under check, it also prevents development of severe form of diabetes called insulin dependent diabetes. However, note that this is not the same as adult diabetes, which only gets worse with large doses of niacin.
If a person suffers from canker sores, dementia, diarrhea and dizziness, it can be due to deficiency of this vitamin. The other issues which can be caused due to deficiency of niacin include fatigue, muscle weakness, bad breath, headaches, pain in the extremities, reduced appetite, etc.
If you are a vegetarian or a vegan you may want to consider the usage of niacin supplements. Niacin supplements are available over-the-counter, but there may be certain side effects of niacin. Thus, in spite of the various health benefits that niacin has, it is recommended you consult a health care professional before you start taking any niacin supplement. Take care.