Red yeast (Monascus purpureus) is a microorganism that grows on white rice, giving rise to red yeast rice, which has been consumed as healthy fermented food and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Take red yeast – along with a balanced diet rich in vegetables, monounsaturated and omega 3 fatty acids and exercise – helps to promote the normalization of blood cholesterol values.
It happens because this yeast contains monacolin K, chemically identical to lovastatin and has the same therapeutic effects on cholesterol production. We will tell you why it is effective against cholesterol, its properties and important aspects that you should know before taking it.
Red yeast rice and cholesterol
Cholesterol is essential for multiple bodily functions, such as the production of hormones, cell membranes and bile. In addition to what is ingested in the diet with foods of animal origin, the body itself generates it. The problem appears when LDL cholesterol levels are high, as it increases the risk of suffering from serious cardiovascular diseases.
The therapeutic application of red yeast rice has been proven by centuries of use and by scientific analyzes that have confirmed, among other benefits, its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol produced by the body itself.
Monocaline K It is the component of red yeast that inhibits the enzyme that regulates cholesterol production in the body. In fact, this compound is identical to lovastatin, which, in isolation, is the most used drug in the conventional treatment of cholesterolemia.
The physiological benefit of ingesting 10 mg daily of monacolin K from red yeast was recognized by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in 2012. Therefore, red yeast rice is a natural, gentler alternative to drugs, especially when they provide high doses of statins, related to side effects such as muscle weakness, neuropathies, liver inflammation and kidney problems.
Red rice yeast: properties
Red yeast rice is a great cardioprotector. It is indicated to reduce the levels of lipoprotein-A or low-density blood cholesterol (LDL), the most harmful. It also makes the arteries more flexible and helps reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Benefits of red yeast
It is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that delays aging and harmful cell proliferation. It also improves insulin sensitivity, thanks to a compound that protects the pancreas, and helps with metabolic syndrome by enhancing the action of the thyroid and reducing fat production.
Is it preferable to synthetic statins?
Yes, because its effect is guaranteed with 10 mg of monacolin K, which is accompanied by other monacolins that act in synergy. In addition, they are usually enriched with coenzyme Q10 and phytosterols.
How to take red yeast
In this other article we tell you how to take red yeast, but The ideal is that you consult with a specialist before taking it –since it is not free of side effects– to help you adjust the ideal dose.
One of the main drawbacks of its consumption is that it has not been determined at what dose it can cause adverse effects. That’s why It is recommended not to exceed 10 mg of monacaline K per day. and it is essential to carry out medical monitoring of its use.
If you take it, keep in mind that the liver synthesizes cholesterol when it does not receive food, which is generally at night. Therefore, It is better to take red yeast rice before going to bed, since this action is inhibited and the extra production of cholesterol and its release into the blood is prevented early.
Red rice yeast: contraindications
It is not recommended for children, adolescents, pregnant women, women who plan to be or are breastfeeding. Likewise, those over 70 years of age should avoid it, especially if they have suffered or suffer from kidney, muscle or liver problems.
Its intake should be avoided whenever other statins, immunosuppressive medications are consumed. (cyclosporine) and cytochrome P450 inhibitors. It is also incompatible with alcoholic beverages, grapefruit juice and some herbs, such as St. John’s wort.
Red rice yeast: side effects
In small doses (10 mg monacolin K), red yeast rice can cause mild effects such as dizziness, headaches, and digestive upset. Higher doses or prolonged use can cause muscle weakness, kidney and liver problems. It should be taken under medical supervision. When choosing a supplement you should know the dose of monacolin K it contains.