Red Yeast Rice extract is originally from China. It is believed by people there to be a natural way to support healthy cholesterol levels. However it may be “too good” at this and be more like an actual medicine. Be careful. Ask your doctor before you use it.
It is made by fermenting red yeast on rice. The extract is gaining popularity in western countries as more and more people try to avoid high cholesterol.
The good thing about natural supplements is the fact that they may not have as many side effects as some medicines. Yet that does not mean you should feel free to “self-dose” without seeking medical advice first.
Synthesis of Red Yeast Rice extract leads to the generation of statins. Statins are known for their potential to help reduce cholesterol levels.
Red Yeast Rice extract has a number of heart-healthy benefits: It can help control cholesterol levels in our body. It can help lower the levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is also known for lowering levels of unhealthy fats called triglycerides.
The extract may help control cholesterol by restricting the liver’s production of cholesterol.
Red Yeast Rice extract is rich in mevinolin, a chemical held responsible for lowering cholesterol. In this way it is similar to lovastatin, which is sold as the prescription drug Mevacor.
Red Yeast Rice extract is also rich in unsaturated fats that are identified to be beneficial, possibly by lowering triglycerides.
Red Yeast Rice extract has some known benefits for heart problems also. Red Yeast Rice may lower the cholesterol levels and thereby may help to prevent heart disease.
Heart patients with reasonably high cholesterol levels (200 to 239 mg/dL) can gain a fair health by consumption supplements like Red Yeast Rice.
However those with alarmingly high cholesterol levels (240 mg/dL or above) or are at great risk for heart disease, should follow their doctor’s advice and stick to the prescribed drugs with a proven ability to rapidly and effectively reduce cholesterol levels.
Drugs can help lower the cholesterol levels but they have some side effects.
Natural substances like Red Yeast Rice are a good way to achieve and maintain a healthy cholesterol level for a healthy heart. There is no match for a diet consisting of Red Yeast Rice with some exercise and a low fat high fiber diet.
It is best not to mix Red Yeast Rice extract with other commercially available statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs as there is high risk of consuming excessive amounts of particular ingredients.
But there are some other dugs or cholesterol lowering agents with whom Red Yeast Rice can be taken but only with advice from a doctor.
Cautions
Consult your medical advisor before taking Red Yeast Rice extract. This is predominantly advisable if you have history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
Red Yeast Rice should not be taken alone without any food as it may disturb the digestive tract.
There are some known side effects of consuming Red Yeast Rice that may include headache, dizziness, heartburn, gas, and digestive tract discomfort. If you experience any of the above mentioned, stop taking red yeast rice extract and consult your physician immediately.
This editor does not take Red Yeast Rice extract because of concerns about how strong it is and how it might be too similar to a medicine.
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