Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, and it’s a water-soluble nutrient. This means that you have to constantly supply your body with it for the proper conversion of carbohydrates into energy, which is the primary function of niacin. There are numerous other roles that the said nutrient plays, from the promotion of healthy nerves to the formation of red blood cells.
Since it’s a water-soluble nutrient, overdosing on niacin is rare because excess amounts of it are simply flushed out of your body by means of your urine. However, it’s still possible for an overdose to take place if you are supplementing with the said nutrient. According to the experts, some of the health issues you may face if you have too much niacin in your system include skin dryness and digestive problems, as well as liver damage, diabetes and increased risk of birth defects especially when long-term overdose is involved.
What’s the best way to supply your body with niacin without overdosing on it? Including niacin-rich foods in your everyday diet! Some of them include:
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Veal
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Bacon
• Organ meats
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Bell peppers
• Peanuts
• Kidney beans
• Sunflower seeds
• Avocados
• Vitamin B3-fortified cereals
As you can see, getting good amounts of niacin via your diet is not that difficult. You will be further enticed to consume foods that are rich in the said vitamin upon knowing some of the most amazing health and beauty benefits it offers. Take a look at the following:
Niacin Helps Lower Bad Cholesterol
Everyone knows that having too much bad cholesterol in the body is not a good thing. It’s something that can cause arterial clogging, which leads to increased blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can eventually lead to heart problems and organ damage. Pair the consumption of niacin-rich foods with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle to make sure that your blood cholesterol levels stay within the normal range.
It Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease
Aside from regulating bad cholesterol levels, here’s one more thing that niacin does that’s good for your heart: it relaxes the walls of your blood vessels. This allows for your blood to flow more freely through your blood vessels, thus lowering your chances of having hypertension, heart attack and stroke.
Niacinamide From Niacin is Beneficial for Diabetics
There’s a substance derived from niacin which, according to studies, can be very advantageous for individuals with diabetes. It’s called niacinamide, something that helps delay the requirement for insulin as well as prevents the depletion of energy found in the cells. Niacinamide also possesses antioxidant properties, and that’s why it is very good at inhibiting cellular damage by free radicals which individuals with diabetes are very prone to.
The Said Substance is Also Great for Insomniacs
Is having a good night’s sleep a challenge? Maybe you should include more niacin-rich foods in the diet. It’s for the fact that niacinamide from niacin is also known to promote sleep. Serving more fish, poultry, beans and seeds on the table can help save you from your nightly bout of insomnia.
Niacin Promotes Better Brain Functioning
Since niacin is important for your brain and nerves, it’s no wonder why the said nutrient can help improve your memory. Numerous studies have also shown that niacin is also very good at improving the mental faculties of senile individals.
It Lets You Look Your Best Too
Just like what’s earlier mentioned, niacinamide derived from niacin has antioxidant properties. This is the reason why it can help delay the signs of skin aging, allowing you to look youthful and beautiful. Some researches also suggest that a diet that’s rich in niacin may help lower your risk of skin cancer. What’s more, experts say that niacin helps in warding off hair loss, thus allowing you to enjoy thick and healthy tresses!
