| Using Niacin to Control Cholesterol Level |
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High levels of cholesterol are a serious health risk as it is one of the factors that can contribute to heart disease. Fortunately there are a number of options available besides medication that can help us to control high cholesterol levels. One of the options is to make modifications to our diet and decrease the amount of dietary cholesterol that we consume. Besides consuming less amount of dietary cholesterol we should also increase the consumption of foods that help to directly reduce LDL (low density lipoprotein) or increase HDL (High density lipoproteins). Omega-3 Fatty acids, niacin and a host of other essential substances in our foods can actually help us to do both. Niacin is found in lean meat, poultry, liver, green vegetables and milk amongst other food items. Niacin is also available as an over the counter drug at any drug store and is perhaps one of the few cholesterol lowering medications that does not require a prescription. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, a nutritious diet, giving up smoking and moderating consumption of alcohol are some of the other factors that help to reduce cholesterol and the attendant risk of cardiovascular disease. |