Benefits of Red Yeast Rice
For thousands of years, the Chinese have been advocating the benefits of red yeast rice. It has been used as a food in their daily diets, as a preservative, a spice and even as a food colorant. But now the nolistic heath world has become a believer in the medicinal and healing properties of red yeast rice, when it comes to the heart and blood circulatory system.
Today the benefits of red yeast rice are accepted throughout the world, and there are many products available that contain red yeast rice properties in various strengths and formulations.
Red Yeast Rice Versus Statins
Evidence shows that fermented red yeast rice lowers cholesterol levels moderately compared to other statin drugs, but with the added advantage of causing less adverse effects, and being wholly natural.
What Exactly is it, Anyway?
So what is it? Very simply put, a yeast strain called monascus purpureus is added to normal processed rice, and cultivated over several days. The cultivation of yeast is a very natural process, and all you are doing is giving the yeast some suitable conditions for it to grow and thrive in, namely heat and moisture. Yeast is easy to please and no artificial chemicals are needed for it to thrive and grow on the rice.
Yeast is ever present in foods and also in our bodies, some yeast has proven more beneficial than others and that is why they are often cultivated like this, to produce more.
When the cultivation period is over, you have red yeast rice and it is one of the compounds in this rice that is widely believed to equal some prescription drugs in its effectiveness in dealing with problematic high cholesterol. It is also used by many to boost a sluggish circulation, and to alleviate some digestive complaints.
Adding It You Your Daily Routine
You can either introduce red yeast rice into your diet through your cooking, or you can take a supplement. How you introduce it will depend on your preferences and lifestyle, but as a rice, it can be seamlessly added into mealtimes and snacks, without too much extra thought or hassle for the busy cook.
Finding Red Yeast Rice Supplements
Two brands you can check out are Now Red Yeast Rice and Solaray Red Yeast Rice. You can find these in your local heath food store and perhaps in your grocery store as well!
One of the benefits is that regardless of how red yeast rice is ingested by your body, its presence in the body generally seems to lower cholesterol and boost circulation.
Like all supplements and medications whether prescribed or not, it is important to understand what is in them. All supplements are not created equal and will contain different levels and strengths of the active agent you require. A holistic approach to a healthy heart is universally recognised as the best approach.
Combine red yeast rice benefits with an all around healthy diet and exercise plan, and you will be well on your way to maintaining a happy heart.