Niacin: The Super Cholesterol-Lowering Nutrient

If you are fighting high cholesterol, I recommend bringing the nutrient niacin to the fight. Also known as Vitamin B3, niacin can both lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and lift “good” HDL cholesterol. It can also deliver a blow to LDL cholesterol’s buddies triglycerides, lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen at the same time. I think it is an amazing secret weapon to have at your disposal when combatting high cholesterol.

Niacin opens up blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Studies show that adding high doses of the supplement (up to 2–4 grams a day) can increase HDL levels as much as 35 percent, much higher than popular cholesterol-lowering drugs, like statins, on the market.

It’s important to note that you should wield the power of niacin carefully and gradually increase its dosage. It can cause a flushing, reddening and itching of the skin. Always remember to take a complete B-complex vitamin daily along with your niacin. Consider a high quality multivitamin with about 50 mg of each B vitamin.