Red yeast rice benefits those who have high cholesterol level and need a natural substance to lower it. It is a very traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in China and other Asian countries for centuries, as a way of reducing the cholesterol level. Red yeast is the substance that is obtained from rice that has been fermented with a certain type of yeast. It naturally consists of many ingredients that are noted to help this condition. Red yeast rice is also used as a preservative, food coloring and additive.
Red yeast rice benefits the heart too, which is why it is recommended for reducing the chances of getting heart disease. However, the main benefit is the cholesterol lowering property it contains. In a study conducted at UCLA and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists have found that red yeast rice reduced the level of total cholesterol, the LDL cholesterol level as well as triglycerides levels. It did not affect the HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. A high LDL cholesterol level in the blood leads to heart attack, a very common condition among the people in the world today.
Studies have shown that red yeast rice benefits in reducing cholesterol are very significant. An intake of 2.4 grams per day of red yeast rice has considerably lowered the LDL levels by 22% and the total cholesterol by 16%, in just 12 weeks. There are records of long-term human consumption of red yeast rice, so it is thought to be safe for humans in using it for longer periods. It contains a matter called monacolin, which helps in reducing blood lipids.
Usage in culinary is one of the red yeast rice benefits, as a wide range of food types use this red coloring. Foods like pickled tofu, red rice vinegar and Chinese pastries and many types of their wine use it as enhancing as well as coloring agent. Red yeast rice is known to add a pleasant and subtle taste to the food.
Red yeast rice benefits the digestive system also, as it helps in all kinds of problems associated with food digestion. Daily intake of red yeast rice is known to refresh the whole body. The Chinese have been using this as an herbal medicine since 800 A.D. According to them, it is best for revitalizing the blood. Red yeast rice is thought to be an effective, natural alternative to contemporary cholesterol medications.