Red yeast rice is a supplement that has been proven effective in the fight against high cholesterol. For people who have a bad reaction to regular cholesterol inhibitors (statins), red yeast rice appears to be an excellent alternative. However, the supplement must be supplemented with at least 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day. This can also be taken in capsule form and is available at the drugstore.
Red yeast rice
- What is red yeast rice?
- Research into the medicinal effects of red yeast rice
- Why is red yeast rice better than statins?
- How do you use red yeast rice?
- Beware of fake products
What is red yeast rice?
Statins or cholesterol synthesis inhibitors are often prescribed for people with elevated cholesterol. However, there also appears to be a natural remedy that can achieve the same effect and that is red yeast rice . This red fermented rice is widely used in Chinese cuisine for sauces and fish dishes and is then called angkak . Red yeast rice is made by fermenting regular rice with the yeast Monascus purpureus . This then gets its characteristic dark red color. In traditional Chinese medicine, beneficial properties are attributed to this rice. It is believed that it is good for the heart and liver. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid in the Western world to the beneficial effect that red yeast rice can have on cholesterol.
Research into the medicinal effects of red yeast rice
In 2013, a large clinical study was conducted in Italy into the effects of red yeast rice on people with high cholesterol (LDL cholesterol levels) and a poor response to statins. The study showed that cholesterol in the test group that added red yeast rice to its diet had decreased significantly compared to the group that did not use this supplement. The study also showed that replacing statins with red yeast rice has less effect on people who also suffer from type 2 diabetes. Their liver function did improve, but the effect on cholesterol was small.
Why is red yeast rice better than statins?
Statins or cholesterol inhibitors are normally used to combat high cholesterol. These generally work well. Why exchange this medication for red yeast rice? The main argument for this is that statins can have many unpleasant side effects that red yeast rice does not have. At least 10% of patients who use statins experience side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, intestinal complaints, diarrhea, fatigue and headache. Do you suffer from such side effects or would you prefer to combat your increased cholesterol naturally? Then it is certainly recommended to see whether red yeast rice has the same effect for you.
There is also a risk of side effects when using red yeast rice. However, these can easily be prevented by using at least 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day in addition to red yeast rice. This recommendation is always stated on the label or leaflet of a red yeast rice supplement. The reason for this is that the monacolins in red yeast rice can inhibit the enzyme involved in the formation of coenzyme Q10.
How do you use red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is sold as a supplement in the form of capsules. The normal dosage is two capsules twice a day, to be taken with sufficient water for a period of twelve weeks. After these twelve weeks, the dosage can be reduced to one capsule two or three times a day. The use of red yeast rice during pregnancy is not recommended.
Red yeast rice can also be used in tea. The Lucovitaal brand is the only one to offer red yeast rice tea in packs of twenty bags. In addition to red yeast rice, the tea also contains dandelion, hawthorn and pineapple juice concentrate.
Beware of fake products
It is important to only buy a supplement from a reliable supplier who falls under the control of the Food and Drug Administration. If you buy a supplement from a recognized brand, you can assume this. Anyone who buys an unbranded product from an alternative healer, for example, runs the risk of purchasing a defective product. For example, the American Food and Drug Administration has found statins in unbranded products that should therefore emphatically not contain them.
In the Netherlands, red yeast rice is sold under the following brand names:
- AOV
- BioActive
- Flower
- Bonusan
- Elvitaal
- Lucovitaal
- MannaVital
- Pharma Nord
- Proviform
- Vascusan
- Vitals
