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Mary Kyle
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A Woman’s Heart, Niacin and the HDL "Good" Cholesterol Connection

Today, there is a lot of focus on lowering your “bad” LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) levels. With all the emphasis on lowering your LDL cholesterol, it’s easy to forget that you also need to pay attention to your “good” HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) and ensure that it isn’t too low.

Why should you care about your HDL cholesterol levels? Good question! Imagine that your HDL cholesterol is the maid going through your arteries sweeping up the bad LDL cholesterol. It then takes the “trash” out and disposes of it in your liver. The more HDL cholesterol you have, the better off you are since it serves to keep the LDL cholesterol under control. If you don’t have enough HDL cholesterol, then your LDL cholesterol may well be too high.

Most of us are familiar with statin drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol, but, what do you do if you need more of the good stuff – the HDL cholesterol? Enter Niacin! Niacin (nicotinic acid) isn’t a drug – it’s a B3 vitamin. Found in most multi-vitamins, Niacin benefits your body in numerous ways. It helps your body turn carbohydrates into fuel. It’s also known to promote a healthy nervous and digestive system and to be beneficial to your skin, hair and eyes.

We value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.