Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Red Yeast Rice
Posted in Uncategorized on June 30th, 2009extract of red yeast rice is rice that has been fermented by the Monascus purpureus. It has been used by the Chinese for many centuries as a food preservative, food colorant (it is responsible for the red color in Peking duck), spice, and an ingredient found in rice wine. Red yeast rice continues to be a dietary staple in China, Japan, and Asian communities available in the United States, with an estimated average consumption of 14 to 55 grams of red yeast rice per day per person abraud..
extract of red yeast rice also has been used in China for over 1,000 years for medicinal purposes such as cholesterol lowering. Red yeast rice was described in an ancient Chinese list of drugs as useful for improving blood circulation and for alleviating indigestion and diarrhea.
Red yeast rice extract contains naturally occurring substances called monacolins. Monocolins, particularly one called lovastatin, is believed to be converted in the body to a substance that inhibits HMG CoA reductase, an enzyme that triggers cholesterol production reducing cholesterol. This is the way the popular prescription statins drugs work.
Of all the natural supplements available to help lower cholesterol, red rice yeast extracts are by far the most effective natural reducer of cholesterol. Red rice yeast (Monascus purpureus) has a long history of use in China. It is a source of naturally occurring chemicals similar to statins, and because it delivers a mix of those compounds rather than a single molecule, it is much less likely to cause the side effects that sometimes occur with the pharmaceutical cholesterol reducing agents.
For example, about three years ago my doctor suggested that unless my cholesterol levels came down within three or four weeks I would need to put me on medication. The doctor added that she was reluctant to do this due to possible side effects. The doctor advised me to do a little more exercise and to review my eating habits. Then a friend told me about Red Yeast Rice tablets. So I bought a two months supply of Red Yeast Rice capsules, exercised a little more and tried harder to enjoy salads. After seeing the results of blood tests four weeks later, my doctor asked me what I had been doing as she was “shocked” at the results. When I told her about this natural supplement red yeast rice, she demanded to know more as she wished to put her husband on them immediately. Personally, I take two each day for about 5 to 6 weeks and then leave them off for about 3 weeks. I then repeat the program.
When considering red yeast rice always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about how much red yeast rice you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the herbal supplement and the reason you are taking it. If you are using this herb without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the label. Do not take more red yeast rice or take it more often than what is written in the directions on the bottle.
Keep all medicine locked up and away from your children and always store herbs away from heat and direct light to ensure its potency. Do not store your medicine or herbs in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat and/or moisture may cause medicine and herbs to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine and herbs that are out of date or that you do not need anymore. Never share your medicine and/or herbs with others.
Red yeast rice is available in capsule and tablet forms at your local health food store. Look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Red yeast rice is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.