What Is The Niacin Flush ? A niacin flush can be a temporary side effect of taking niacin; it's also a protocol used by some physicians to lower lipid profiles and boost heart health. Studies have shown that niacin…
A niacin flush can be a temporary side effect of taking niacin; it's also a protocol used by some physicians to lower lipid profiles and boost heart health. Studies have shown that niacin flush benefits can include reduced LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels and oxidative stress while increasing HDL cholesterol.
What Is Niacin?
Niacin is type of B vitamin that offers benefits for your whole body, from your brain to your skin. You can get niacin from meat, fish, nuts, or in supplement form.
Niacin is one of the eight B vitamins. It is also known as vitamin B3, an important nutrient needed by every part of the body to function properly. Niacin is water-soluble, so your body does not store it. This also means that your body can excrete excess amount of the vitamin through urine if they are not needed.
How Does Niacin Work?
As with all B vitamins, niacin helps convert food into energy by aiding enzymes. Specifically, niacin is a major component of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), two coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism. Additionally, niacin plays a role in cell signaling and making and repairing DNA, in addition to action as an antioxidant.
Health Benefits of Niacin
As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits. (Consult with your healthcare professional regarding how much niacin is right for you.)
Four health benefits of niacin:
- Improves blood fat levels— increasing your HDL (good cholesterol), reducing your LDL (bad) cholesterol, and reducing your triglyceride levels
- May reduce blood pressure
One role of niacin is to release prostaglandins, or chemicals that help your blood vessels widen, improving blood flor and reducing blood pressure.
- Boosts brain function
The brain needs niacin as a part of the coenzymes NAD and NADP to get energy and function properly.
- Improves skin health
Niacin helps protect skin cells from sun damage, whether it’s used orally or applied as a lotion.
This information is presented to help you understand the importance of proper nutrition and the benefits of quality supplements. Consult your health care provider to determine how you can live your best life starting today!
Life Priority products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Information is provided for educational purposes only. Rev 6/12
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