Red Yeast Rice: Cholesterol Lowering Power of Fungus!

When you think of yeast, you probably think of rising bread and beer, but there is a kind of yeast that actually produces a cholesterol lowering effect. A type of red yeast that grows on rice in Asian countries has shown significant ability to reduce cholesterol by blocking enzymes just like prescription drugs do.

What is Red Yeast Rice?

Yes, it is rice covered in a red fungus. but it has a lot of benefits. Just like the yeast for bread and beer, this yeast is also naturally occuring. As spelled out for you in the name, it is a red substance that coats some kinds of rice. In China, medical experts have found ancient writings about this miracle substance that recounted its amazing effects in improving stomach problems, improved the circulatory system, and spline function.

This news of this amazing substance has been taken very seriously because it can be an alternative to prescription cholesterol drugs. Many people know that these types of drugs carry with them the risk for extremely severe muscle conditions that lead to death.

What are the benefits?

Studies at the University of Pennsylvania concluded that the substance successful reduced the levels of bad cholesterol (or ldl) in the blood. The blind study was conducted by offering half of the group 2 tablets of 600 mg red yeast rice to one group and placebo (sugar pills) tot eh other group with instructions for improving diet, exercise, and relaxation.

Statistically, the study proved that the group who received red yeast rice showed reduced levels of bad cholesterol. The group saw no decrease in good cholesterol or important blood enzymes (as is common with cholesterol drugs) The study proved that this amazing substance can definitely improve cholesterol numbers and help people who are unable to take prescription drugs.

How Does Red Yeast Rice Work?

Red yeast rice is a product of fermentation by monascus purpureus a kind of fungus that grows on rice. The fermentation process creates a substance called lovastatin. This substance is exactly the same as in the drugs that conventional medicine offers to patients. Even more amazing is that it works without the side effects or the high price of those other drugs.

Lovastatin works by preventing the liver from producing more cholesterol to send to the rest of your body. There is debate as to whether or not red yeast rice is a drug or a supplement because of this naturally occurring substance, lovastatin.
If you would like more information about red yeast rice cholesterol, please click on these links here. You may also be interested in learning more about cholesterol lowering supplements.