Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, is a vital micronutrient which cannot be produced by the body and needs to be consumed through foods and [easyazon_link keywords=”vitamin supplements” locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]vitamin supplements[/easyazon_link]. Vitamin B3 is part of the vitamin B-complex which consists of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 and B12.
Vitamin B-complex supplements are recommended for people who require more energy and who often feel run down. Vitamin B deficiencies include a variety of health problems such as anxiety, memory loss, low energy levels and dementia.
While all of the B-complex vitamins play an important role in maintaining good overall health, vitamin B3 is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with the vitamin B-complex.
Vitamin B3 can be found in various foods such as nuts, lean red meat, chicken, liver, dried grains, wholegrains, enriched refined grains and dried beans.
Vitamin B3 has multiple benefits and it is known for improving the cardiovascular system and metabolism; releasing energy into the cells; aiding in digestion by increasing the absorption of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins; reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia, depression and anxiety; remedying gastrointestinal disturbances; improving skin condition and assisting in healing lesions; remedying numerous sex disorders; improving overall mental health and awareness; improving memory; and treating pellagra.
Below are a list of 5 of the top health benefits of vitamin B3:
Helps Fight Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which causes the body to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. Studies suggest that Niacin protects the insulin producing cells which lowers the chance of young children, who are at risk of getting type 1 diabetes, developing the disease.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels in the Blood:
High LDL, or ‘bad’, cholesterol is an ailment which affects countless people around the world. Niacin is known for reducing the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood; Niacin is of vital importance for lowering bad cholesterol levels in people who cannot tolerate other LDL cholesterol medication such as statins.
Increase Good Cholesterol Levels in the Blood:
Unlike LDL, HDL cholesterol is considered ‘good’ cholesterol. Niacin assists in the breakdown of apolipoprotein A1, which is a protein that is required for the body to produce HDL.
Helps To Fight Heart Disease:
The lowering of ‘bad’ cholesterol and the increase of ‘good’ cholesterol, in combination with Niacin’s ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (which are responsible for the hardening of arteries), means that Vitamin B3 is effective in the fight against heart disease.
Helps Alleviate the Symptoms of Arthritis:
Niacin has been proven to improve joint mobility which reduces the effects and symptoms of arthritis.
Vitamin B3 deficiencies can result in pellagra, dementia and diarrhoea. Everyone needs the B3 vitamin, however, it is possible to attain all that the body needs through maintaining an inclusive diet plan and ensuring that one gets a sufficient amount of the aforementioned foods which are rich in Niacin.
If one does require more Niacin, due to dietary restrictions or a pre-existing deficiency, vitamin B3 can be taken as a supplement with any meal or it can be dissolved in water. Bear in mind that vitamin B3 does come with a long list of side effects which one should be aware of before supplementing with Niacin.
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