Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is essential for energy production and hormone production. A lack of it can cause pellagra, but it can also help prevent and treat conditions like gout and high cholesterol. Good sources include meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and vegetables like asparagus and kale.
Niacin is one of the alternative names for vitamin B3. This vitamin is essential to the human diet because it is used for important bodily functions such as energy production and the production of certain hormones. A lack of vitamin B3 can lead to pellagra, intestinal problems, and skin conditions. Niacin has also been found to help prevent and treat conditions such as gout, menstrual pain, and high cholesterol. The best sources of niacin include certain fish, meats, and eggs.
The importance of niacin was revealed in large part by bouts of pellagra. This nutritional disorder, which is characterized by muscle weakness, dermatitis, and dementia, was found to be caused by a lack of vitamin B3. In developed countries, pellagra is now rare. However, it is still essential that all people consume sufficient amounts of the vitamin.
People who enjoy eating meat should have no problem finding a variety of good sources of niacin. This is true even if they’re trying to stick to a diet, because lean meats like grilled chicken breast and turkey breast contain significant amounts of vitamin B3. When a person eats beef tenderloin or veal liver, he is also eating healthy foods that contain a lot of niacin. Other meats that a person can choose include venison and lamb.
Fish lovers also have a variety of sources of niacin. Yellowfin tuna, halibut, and salmon are great options. If these fish are not available or preferred, there are other options that can help a person meet their niacin needs. These include snapper, farm-raised catfish, and shrimp.
There are also numerous foods that vegetarians can eat to get vitamin B3. One of the best sources of niacin for vegetarians is eggs. Drinking milk can provide a person with a significant amount of the vitamin.
If a person is concerned about the fat in these items or wants foods that are not derived from animals, there are a variety of other good options. A person can eat nuts like almonds or Brazil nuts. Wheat bread and rye bread are two good sources when a person wants to eat grains.
There are numerous plant sources of niacin. Three of the best include raw crimini mushrooms, asparagus, and kale. Other vegetables that a person can consume to help meet their niacin needs include mustard greens, carrots, and raw tomatoes.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN