Many individuals do not know much about red yeast rice. Hence we will start this article by describing the brief history of red yeast rice. Red yeast rice has long been used in the Republic of China and all throughout Asia as a preservative, condiment and food colouring or flavoring. It is commonly used to produce a reddish to orange color of roasted Peking duck. It is also a component of fish sauce, fish paste and rice wine. Aside from culinary uses, it has also been used as an herbal medicine most especially in the relief of indigestion and diarrhea. It is considered to be first used as an alternative medicine during the Tang Dynasty about 618 – 917 A.D.

Red yeast rice is produced by cultivating a yeast strain known as Monascus purpureus on a non-glutinous, whole rice kernels, either cooked or uncooked. A yeast is a microspcopic type of fungi just like molds. It is called red yeast rice because rice is treated with yeast by process of inoculation. The yeast cultured into the rice turns the grains into red. The rice is immersed in clean water until the grains become totally saturated. The raw saturated rice can either be directly inoculated or it can be steamed first to properly sterilize and cook the rice before yeasts are inoculated. This process of inoculation is done by combining either Monascus purpureus spores or powdered red yeast rice with the raw untreated rice. The mixture is then kept warm at room temperature for about 3 to 6 days. This is the period where the yeast M. purpureus is perfectly cultured with each rice grain. If the process is correct and effective, each little bit of grain must have a bright red color in the core and reddish purple on the outside.

One of the medicinal property of red yeast rice is that it has a promising effect on lowering cholesterol naturally. Fermentation of red yeast rice requires no preservative or synthetic chemicals, therefore it is safe. According to a meta – analysis of clinical trials, red yeast rice was discovered to decrease Total Cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein and Triglycerides. Not to mention, red yeast rice also increases the body’s High Density Lipoprotein or HDL. Red yeast rice naturally possesses active substances known as Monacolins. One of these active component or Monacolins is lovastatin. Lovastatin is an ingredient of an effective anti – cholesterol prescription medication. It is said to be converted inside the body into a substance that prevents an enzyme called HMG – CoA reductase in stimulatng the production of cholesterol by the liver. This in turn reduces the risk of heart diseases and any other compications associated with high levels of cholesterol.

And since red yeast rice and anti – cholesterol or statin drugs almost have the same mechanism in the body, it is best to take red yeast rice after seeking medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. As with medications you should contact your doctor before self administering especially if you are already on medications. Never combine herbal remedies with medications.

You can find red yeast rice at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Solaray to ensure quality when taking supplements for better health and wellness.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: red yeast rice extract, support good cholesterol levels, natural cholesterol relief