Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) is a dietary supplement derived from the yeast grown on rice. Used since the Tang Dynasty in China around 800 A.D. as a remedy for stomach problems and poor blood circulation, red yeast rice is a nutritional supplement found in many grocery stores, drugstores and natural health stores for a variety of uses, including lowering "bad" cholesterol.
Lowered Cholesterol
According to the Mayo Clinic, several research studies since the 1970s indicate that consumption of red yeast rice lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, in the blood. In addition, red yeast rice may cause blood levels of total cholesterol to lower.
Effective Dosing
In order to see the health benefits of red yeast rice, adults should take 1,200 mg of concentrated red yeast powder or between 14 and 55 g of naturally occurring red yeast rice per day. Children should not consume red yeast rice, due to a lack of scientific research, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Side Effects
Side effects of red yeast rice taken to lower cholesterol may include stomach upset, heartburn, asthma, muscle pain or dizziness. Red yeast rice may increase the probability of bleeding, and individuals with liver disease should not take it. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should also not consume red yeast rice, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Interactions
Red yeast may interact with certain foods, supplements and vitamins, including grapefruit juice, vitamin A, niacin, milk thistle, zinc, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto and St. John's wort. Consumption of these items in combination with red yeast rice may increase the blood levels of red yeast and the risk of bleeding, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inform your doctor of any herbal or nutritional supplements that you are taking prior to consuming red yeast rice.
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