Health Trend
Niacin flushing, originally a method to naturally detox the body of toxic waste, is becoming more and more popular in the health and fitness world. This renewed interest in vitamin b3 (niacin) is mainly due to scientific discoveries about the benefits of niacin. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to explain what niacin can do for your health and general well-being and how you can achieve these effects too.
The Benefits of Niacin
It was already known for a long time, that niacin overdosing causes your veins to widen. This process basically gives the body a chance to get rid of waste cluttered in parts of the body, where blood flow normally is weak. However, niacin flushing has more benefits.
1. Better Cholesterol
After taking in the overdose of niacin, the circulation though the capillaries will dramatically improve. This process will lower 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), and improve 'good' cholesterol (HDL).
2. Slimming
Before you think niacin is the ultimate solution to losing weight: This isn't the case. However, niacin can be a great aid in slimming a bit faster. Basically, when you take in the surplus of niacin your body will transform a bit of fat into energy, and this in turn allows you to do more exercises at the gym.
3. Preventing Depression
One of the most overlooked causes of depression is a lack in some micro-nutrients. The most important micro-nutrient of these is without doubt niacin. When you are deficient in niacin, your body will use tryptophan in order to make niacin itself. However, you will need tryptophan in order to produce the hormone serotonin. Without serotonin, you will inevitably become depressed.
Niacin Consumption
There are two ways in which you can overdose niacin: Through supplements or foods. Both are fine, but if you have the time, be sure to consume niacin through a normal meal. Not only do these foods contain other highly important micro-nutrients, moreover the risk of side effects is much lower. In order to overdose niacin, you will need around 100 mg per day. Great sources of niacin are tuna, chicken breast, liver, coffee and whole grain products. A tip I can give you to prevent side effects is taking in an aspirin 20 minutes prior to the niacin consumption. Moreover, garlic extract and vitamin c can help a bit. Be sure to drink a lot of water during the flushing period.
