Niacin, or nicotinic acid, when used under the care and monitoring of a healthcare provider, is the most effective agent available for increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol (1)." HDL is known as "good cholesterol" because it has protective effects on the heart and blood vessels. It not only removes excess cholesterol in the blood and brings it to the liver for disposal, it may also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects (2). Some experts also believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup (3)... 
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