FDA on Red Yeast Rice

My friend who suffers from high cholesterol was recently prescribed red yeast rice supplements by her doctor. She is very happy to be taking a natural supplement as opposed to a drug.

Historically, red yeast rice has been used in China as both for food and a medicine. The use of red yeast rice in China was first documented in the Tang Dynasty in 800 A.D. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus over red rice. In Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is used to lower cholesterol, promote blood circulation and aid digestive problems.

People with high cholesterol are usually given statin medication to help lower their levels of bad cholesterol or LDL. Research indicates that red yeast rice contains substances that are similar to prescription statin medications. One of these substances, called monacolin K, has the same makeup as the drug lovastatin.

The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several studies that support the ability of red yeast rice to lower cholesterol:

Foods to Help Lower My Cholesterol

People eating roughly 25 ounces of chickpeas per week for four weeks – that’s a little more than 3 ounces a day – saw their total cholesterol and Bad LDL decrease and Good HDL levels increase.

Insulin levels also improved, and people in the study lost a small amount of weight without dieting or exercise.

Chickpeas have more than 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per half cup. You can eat hummus which is a chickpea dip. Hummus is good on crackers, pita, or vegetables. You can toss chickpeas in a salad, soup or pasta dish. Chickpeas are low in carbohydrates also. You can buy fried chickpeas in a market that carries Middle Eastern Food and snack on them like you would chips or pretzels.

Vitamins for Better Skin

If you want to lower your cholesterol and look younger – make a salad with chickpeas, spinach, broccoli, zucchini,corn, and green and orange bell peppers. According to Dr. Oz this mixture will help your skin maintain its elastic quality. These vegetables contain high levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and carotenoids. Women who took these supplements had improved elasticity and better hydration in their skin.