By Darrell Miller

The buzz around red yeast rice has spurred researchers and health junkies alike to check out its claim to lower cholesterol levels. Recent studies point to naturally occurring substances in red yeast responsible for inhibiting the production of cholesterol in our body. Not only does it work as a dietary alternative to cholesterol-lowering drugs, but it also promises a list of well-documented, centuries-old medicinal benefits.

We have taken an interest in this particular variety of rice just lately, but it has been an important part of the staple diet in many Asian countries for over a thousand years. The earliest accounts on red rice date back to 800 AD during the Tang Dynasty in China. It was noted for the effective role it plays in relieving indigestion pains and other gastric ailments and improving overall health by promoting blood circulation and lowering cholesterol. In addition, it is an essential ingredient in the production of a wide list of culinary goods, from the subtle taste it adds to several Asian wines to the characteristic bright red glaze of Peking duck.

How does it help exactly?

Point One: What is High Cholesterol Often Associated with Illnesses?

We need the right amount of cholesterol to make sure that all the tissues of our body function properly. Cholesterol in foods like meat, fish, poultry, egg yolk, and dairy products is absorbed by the intestine and delivered to the liver through the bloodstream. It is the liver that accounts for about 85 per cent of blood cholesterol levels while dietary intake may significantly add to the cholesterol produced in our body. If the liver supplies more than what we need, there will be an excess of cholesterol in the blood leading to increased risks of coronary and diabetic conditions.

Point Two: What is in Red Yeast Rice that Addresses the Problems of Having High Cholesterol?

Statins, drugs developed to lower cholesterol, work on the principle of controlling the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Today they come in both synthesized and naturally-occurring forms, and one compound found in red yeast rice belongs to the latter group. Randomized trials showed results so desirable that employing statins in treatment of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases has been advocated over the years. Apart from their extensive application for the prevention of heart-related illnesses, more researches direct attention to their far-reaching uses against lung cancer, nuclear cataracts, and hypertension.

Point Three: Why Makes it Different from Cholesterol-lowering Drugs?

Be reminded that red yeast rice contain monocalins, natural, non-synthetic forms of statins. A yeast known as Monascus purpureus is introduced after the rice is soaked in water until saturated, and the mixture is incubated in room temperature from 3 to 6 days when it turns bright red. The fermentation process brings about the production of natural monocalin compounds, including monocalin K, whose purified form is identical to lovastatin in marketed drugs.

Remember to always choose name brands when buying red yeast rice to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase for internal use. Always consult a health care professional when starting red yeast rice and never mix medications with herbal supplements.

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