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:

• A 2008 study compared a group of people with high cholesterol who took fish oil and red yeast rice with a group who took a standard dose of simvastatin. The red yeast rice was purchased directly from the manufacturer and contained lovastatin, but at a lower dose than what you would find in the prescription drug. Both groups saw a similar reduction in cholesterol levels.

• One study by the UCLA School of Medicine involved 83 people with high cholesterol levels. Those who received red yeast rice over a 12-week period experienced significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (fats in the blood) compared to those taking placebo. “Good” HDL cholesterol levels did not change in either study group.

• A study presented before the American Heart Association also showed that red yeast rice lowered LDL cholesterol. In the first study, 187 people had mild-to-moderate elevations in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The study showed that treatment with red yeast rice reduced total cholesterol by more than 16%, LDL cholesterol by 21%, and triglycerides by 24%. HDL cholesterol also increased by 14%.

• In another 8-week study of 446 people with high cholesterol, those receiving red yeast rice had a significant drop in cholesterol levels compared to those who took placebo. Total cholesterol fell by 22.7%, LDL by 31%, and triglycerides by 34% in the red yeast rice group. HDL cholesterol increased by 20% in the red yeast rice group as well.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dosage of dietary or supplemental red yeast rice is as high as 6,000 – 9,000 mg per day. But the appropriate dosage for adults may vary, depending on the form of the supplement.

This is not something you should buy over the counter. Due to the 2001 FDA decision, only a doctor may legally prescribe standardized red yeast rice extract. As such, health-food stores now selling this product are doing so illegally. People suffering from high cholesterol and/or heart disease may not be able to use red rice yeast. People with liver disease and those at risk for liver disease should not take red yeast rice. Ask your doctor if red yeast rice if appropriate for your condition.

If you want to know what foods you can eat to help lower your cholesterol see our post Foods To Lower Cholesterol

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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.

Want to know what foods to eat to keep your digestive system in good working order and prevent colon cancer? See our post 15 Foods to Help Your Digestive System

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