Benefits of Red Rice

by Norma Chew, Demand Media

Overview
Red rice, also called Chinese red yeast rice, is derived from yeast (Monascuu purpureus) grown
on rice. ccording to Medline!lus, monacolins in red yeast rice wor" to inhibit cholesterol
formation. Monacolin # is a powerful component that inhibits $M%&Co reductase, a group of
prescription drugs used to lower cholesterol. Monocolin # is also called 'ovastatin. Red rise
may benefit people with high cholesterol, coronary artery disease or diabetes. (a"e herbal
remedies under the advice and supervision of a professional health care provider.
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Can Lower High Cholesterol
+n 2673, human studies reported red rice8s effect on lowering the blood levels of total cholesterol.
(he active ingredient in red rice is monacolin #. +t is similar to lovastatin in the prescription drug
cholesterol&lowering drug, Mevacor. ccording to 9Medtv, the :nited )tates ,ood and Drug
dministration has ruled that because lovastatin is a prescription drug, any red yeast rice
supplement with a significant dosage of lovastatin is an unapproved drug and not a dietary
supplement. Don8t ta"e red rice if you have liver disease, are pregnant, or are younger than 2;.
)ide effects include gas, heartburn and di<<iness.
Can Help Prevent Heart Disease
$igh levels of low&density lipoprotein or 'D' in the blood cause pla=ue build up in the walls of
the arteries. (his narrows the si<e of the arteries and may bloc" the coronary artery, causing a
heart attac". 'owering 'D' cholesterol levels lowers the ris" of heart disease. >336 study
conducted by David 0ec"er and Ram %ordon, cardiologists at Chestnut $ill $ospital reported
that 'D' cholesterol levels decreased more in patients receiving red yeast rice than in patients
receiving a placebo.
Can Lower Blood Glucose
:ncontrolled blood glucose levels in diabetic patients can wrea" havoc on the eyes, "idneys and
the cardiovascular system. Controlling blood sugar levels decreases these ris"s. +n an animal
study conducted at the Department of ,ood )cience at the National !ingtung :niversity of
)cience and (echnology, $on&?i&&a form of red yeast rice&&was administered to induced&diabetic
rats and to rats with normal blood glucose levels. (his was an attempt to develop a new
substitute for treating diabetes. (he results suggest that oral administration of $on&?i may lower
blood glucose in diabetic rats lac"ing insulin.