If there’s one thing that most people dread, it is having high cholesterol. Sadly, this is a common reality in our society today. Fortunately, there are ways to help combat the risk of developing high cholesterol. Red yeast rice is one of the best methods to lower cholesterol.
Red yeast rice is a natural food rich in monacolins, also known as lovastatin. Monacolins are antioxidants found naturally in the red yeast fermentation process. This is how red yeast rice stands out from other kinds of rice. It has many potential health benefits, such as lowering LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Although red yeast rice has been used as a natural remedy for many years to treat different conditions, most people are afraid to take it due to its side effects. But in actuality, red yeast rice has more benefits than risks. This article will discuss 6 reasons you should take red yeast rice to lower cholesterol.
How does Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol?
When it comes to the efficacy of any cholesterol-lowering supplement, the first thing to consider is how it works.
Red yeast rice contains a compound known as monacolin, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. In particular, monacolin has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, the type of cholesterol linked to the development of heart disease.
In addition, red yeast rice can also help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme necessary for synthesizing cholesterol.
What Is Red Yeast Rice Extract?
Red yeast rice is a fermented rice product used in China for centuries. It is a fermented form of rice that contains monacolins, which are plant sterols that have cholesterol-lowering effects and are as effective as cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Red yeast rice is available in capsule form and can be purchased at most health food stores. Many people also choose to buy supplements online.
The red yeast rice extract capsules come in a variety of different strengths. When choosing an extract dosage, look at the serving size to determine how many capsules you should take each day. Make sure to read all product directions and warnings before taking red rice extract.
6 Reasons You Should Take Red Yeast Rice to Lower Cholesterol
1. Red Yeast Rice Can Be Effective at Lowering LDL Cholesterol
Much research has been conducted on the effects of red yeast rice on cholesterol levels. One study concluded that red yeast rice could potentially effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels by 17 percent.
Another study found that red yeast rice could lower LDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent. These results indicate that red yeast rice could effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels. More research is needed to confirm this, but these findings are promising.
However, there are also important things to consider when evaluating the findings of these studies. These include the type of red yeast rice used in the studies, the dosage used in the studies, and the health of the study participants. These factors could alter the extent to which the results of each study can be applied to the general population.
2. Red Yeast Rice May Help to Lower Triglyceride Levels
As well as potentially lowering LDL cholesterol levels, red yeast rice has also been shown to lower triglyceride levels potentially. One study found that red yeast rice could reduce triglyceride levels by as much as 40 percent in participants with high triglyceride levels.
The same study also found that red yeast rice could potentially lower total cholesterol levels by 18 percent and total cholesterol levels by 10 percent. These findings indicate that red yeast rice could effectively lower triglyceride levels.
3. It can help to lower total blood cholesterol levels
As well as possibly lowering LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, red yeast rice has also been shown to reduce total blood cholesterol levels.
A study found that taking 2,400 milligrams of red yeast rice daily reduced total blood cholesterol levels by 4.9 percent after eight weeks. This reduction could improve the health of people with borderline high cholesterol levels.
4. It has been proven safe and effective in clinical trials
As with many cholesterol-lowering supplements, red yeast rice has been proven safe and effective in clinical trials.
Red yeast rice is a fermented product of rice that has high amounts of a chemical called ‘Monascus extract’. This active ingredient in red yeast rice is believed to have cholesterol-lowering properties and is used in several medicines.
Red yeast rice doesn’t have any side effects as it is a natural product, however, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any medicines.
5. Red Yeast Rice help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and strokes
As well as potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, red yeast rice has also been shown to improve blood circulation.
One study found that people taking red yeast rice had improved blood flow in their extremities after four weeks. This improvement could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
These findings indicate that red yeast rice could potentially improve blood flow in the body and reduce the risk of developing heart disease and strokes.
6. You can buy red yeast rice in both tablet and powder form
Many people wonder how to take red yeast rice. The best way to take red yeast rice is by taking two 500 mg tablets twice daily, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Alternatively, the red yeast rice can also be taken as a powder that can be added to food and drinks, such as smoothies and oatmeal.
Red yeast rice can be purchased online and in health food stores. Red yeast rice has many forms, including tablets, capsules, tinctures, flakes, and granules.
When selecting the best form of red yeast rice, it is best to make sure you choose an authentic product manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility.
You can also choose products that have been standardized for monacolin content. These are generally more potent and cost a little more, but it could be worth it for better results.
How Long Does It Take for Red Yeast Rice to Lower Cholesterol?
The amount of time varies depending on the person and their current cholesterol levels. However, note that it doesn’t work instantly after taking it one day. The red yeast rice capsules usually take at least one to two months to show any results.
Talk to your doctor if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medications and wish to switch to red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice is a natural alternative that does not require a prescription, but it may take longer for it to work compared to statins. At the same time, this method doesn’t work for everyone and may take longer than you’d like it to.
Side Effects of Red Yeast Rice
As with any medication or supplement, you should always be aware of the potential side effects. However, red yeast rice does not have many of the same side effects as statins.
Some people may experience mild side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and headache. Rarely a few people may experience increased liver enzyme levels.
If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue taking the red yeast rice immediately and consult a doctor if they persist after stopping the supplements.
To minimize the risk of experiencing any side effects, follow the recommended dosage and only take the red yeast rice as directed.
When to take red yeast rice for cholesterol?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it may vary depending on the person’s individual situation and health condition.
However, some experts suggest that red yeast rice supplements may be most effective when taken with food, in the evening, or before bedtime. It is also important to follow the directions on the supplement bottle, as taking too much red yeast rice can lead to side effects such as stomach pain, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Other tips for lowering cholesterol
1. Eat plenty of soluble fiber: Soluble fiber can help lower your cholesterol by binding to bile acids and removing them from your body. Good sources of soluble fiber include beans, oats, flaxseed, and Psyllium husk.
2. Eat more plant sterols and stanols: Plant sterols and stanols are compounds found in plants that can help block the absorption of cholesterol. Good sources include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
4. Lose excess weight: If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds can help lower your cholesterol levels.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking damages your HDL (good) cholesterol and makes it more difficult for your body to remove LDL (bad) cholesterol from your blood.
Conclusion
Red yeast rice is a natural alternative that does not require a prescription and does not have many of the same side effects as statins. However, people need to take the recommended dosage and only take it as directed. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking red yeast rice.
