In the early 1940s, it was reported that niacin, or vitamin B3, was proving very effective in relieving blue-collar workers of stiffness and pain concerning their ongoing arthritis. From here, the benefits of the supplements continued to be unveiled. Now it remains a versatile supplement fit for many different
treatments.
Here are five niacin benefits that you should know about.
The brain needs niacin to function correctly. Therefore, a deficiency can lead to a foggy brain and psychiatric symptoms. This is why niacin has been used in the medical field to aid in treating illnesses like depression, Alzheimer's disease, and even schizophrenia.
The specific vitamin provides other benefits for the brain, including strengthening the structure in the brain that allows information to travel among brain cells. As a result, it is potentially keeping neurons alive and slowing down the process of cognitive decline.
Niacinamide, a form of niacin, has become known as an excellent tool for combating the symptoms of arthritis. While niacin tends to open up the surface-level blood vessels and create a sensation of flushing, niacinamide works deep within, only opening up blood vessels around your joints.
For moderate conditions, a range of 1,000mg to 1,500mg should appropriately provide relief. However, in situations that may be more extreme, doses as high as 4,000mg may be necessary. The amounts should be divided into six different doses and taken at different times throughout the day for each case. As always, see your doctor before ultimately deciding which dose is right for you.
Niacin has been proven to treat type one diabetes. This specific type of diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body creates cells in the pancreas by attacking insulin. Niacin can work to protect these cells from being destroyed. Therefore, cases involving young children can ultimately prevent the disease from developing.
While niacin can be great for type one diabetes, it doesn't work the same for type two. Niacin can effectively lower cholesterol, which is a great benefit. However, it also can raise blood sugar levels, which could be very dangerous for those with type two diabetes. If you have type two diabetes and wish to take niacin, talk to a doctor first and heavily monitor your blood sugar levels.
Niacin has been a huge factor for those who need supplements that lower cholesterol. By effectively lowering “very-low-density lipoproteins,” niacin has become a prominent preventative measure against cancer and heart disease. There is even proof that it can reverse signs of heart disease in those who have genetic cholesterol issues.
It can also improve your body’s blood fat levels by increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol). It makes it a good option for those at risk of heart disease.
Niacin effectively helps your blood vessels open up by releasing prostaglandins. This act improves your body’s blood flow and can lower your blood pressure. One small study showed that the patient would receive a two percent decrease in high blood pressure risk with every milligram increase in niacin intake per day. While these results are promising, further research is required to confirm them.
While the above list is the top five benefits, many others come with taking Niacin. Here is a list of a few:
● Improved skin health
● Improved sleep
● Improved conditions regarding unwanted acne
● It can help reduce symptoms like vertigo and migraines
● Improved mental health
● Can aid digestion
● Works to prevent congenital disabilities in children
● May improve conditions like erectile dysfunction
● Improvement in conditions like pellagra
● And many more
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a great natural supplement for the body. First, it can help restore the mind by improving memory and mental health. Its subform niacinamide can open up blood vessels around joints relieving symptoms of arthritis. Third, it can treat diabetes by protecting cells within your body from being destroyed. Fourth, by increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL), niacin can balance the body and regulate cholesterol levels. Lastly, it lowers blood pressure by opening up blood vessels and freely allowing blood to flow throughout the body. Niacin is undoubtedly a beneficial supplement with many more benefits aside from these top five.
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