High cholesterol could up your risk of heart disease, but adopting a few lifestyle tweaks might keep it in check. One such tweak is popping a niacin supplement, which offers a wealth of health benefits.
The NHS states that high cholesterol happens when excess fatty-lipid substances accumulate in the arteries. It might be hereditary, though it often stems from eating too much fatty food, little physical activity, being overweight, and habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.
Termed hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol itself gives no warning signs until severe heart disease kicks in, according to the Mirror. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes heart disease and stroke as major leading causes of death globally.
Such cardiovascular mishaps can result from high cholesterol-induced plaque in the arteries. Yet, you can trim your cholesterol with minor changes and a key supplement – niacin.
Also known as vitamin B3, research shows that the compound can naturally dialling down your cholesterol, especially taken in prescription-dose quantities. Niacin enhances “good” HDL cholesterol levels, by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that manufactures cholesterol.
Authors of a previous JAMA scientific study wrote: “Niacin’s effect on triglycerides is among the best of the agents available.”
Professionals suggest easing into niacin supplementation with low doses before gradually increasing – individual tablets typically contain 500mg each. It’s crucial to take the supplement after eating and not miss any doses. If you forget a dose, you may experience flushing as a side effect.
It’s also advised not to take niacin with stomach-irritating liquids such as alcohol, orange juice or hot drinks. Due to the high doses of nicotinic acid required, up to 2,000 mg daily, the supplement should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
A bottle of 90 Niacin capsules retails for £9.70 on Amazon. This means each pill, which in this case contains 490mg of the compound, comes in at about 10p each – so they won’t break the bank.
Niacin deficiency is rare as the nutrient is present in many foods, both animal and plant-based. Good sources include red meat, poultry, fish, brown rice, nuts, seeds, legumes, and bananas.
However, those who become severely deficient may develop a condition known as pellagra. Signs that you have taken too much niacin include: Other natural ways to lower your cholesterol levels include: Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.