Niacin is the most effective intervention for raising HDL or good cholesterol. Not only will niacin (nicotinic acid) raise HDL cholesterol by 8-35% and lower LDL cholesterol by 10-25%, it has been shown to lower the risk of stroke and heart disease. Nicotinic acid should not be confused with another water soluble B vitamin, nicotinamide, which does not lower cholesterol levels. Continue reading "Niacin for cholesterol"

HDL or good cholesterol is considered “good” because it helps transport cholesterol from your arterial walls, back to the liver for excretion in your gastrointestinal tract. HDL also possesses antioxidant activity which prevents LDL or bad cholesterol from oxidizing and creating atherosclerotic plaque in your heart arteries (hardening of the arteries). Continue reading "Raising HDL"