Red yeast rice for cholesterol: properties and contraindications

red yeast (Monascus purpureus) is a microorganism that grows on white rice, giving rise to red yeast rice, which has been consumed as healthy fermented food and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Take red yeast –along with a balanced diet rich in vegetables, monounsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 and the practice of exercise– It helps to favor the normalization of blood cholesterol values.

It occurs because this yeast contains monacolin K, chemically identical to lovastatin and has the same therapeutic effects on cholesterol production. We tell you why it is effective against cholesterol, its properties and important aspects that you should know before taking it.

Red yeast rice and cholesterol

cholesterol is essential for multiple bodily functions, such as the production of hormones, cell membranes and bile. In addition to what is ingested in the diet with foods of animal origin, the body itself generates it. The problem appears when LDL cholesterol levels are high, as the risk of suffering serious cardiovascular diseases increases.

The therapeutic application of red yeast rice has been proven by centuries of use and by scientific analyzes that have confirmed, among other benefits, its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol produced by the body itself.

The monokaline K It is the component of red yeast that inhibits the enzyme that regulates the production of cholesterol in the body. In fact, this compound is identical to lovastatin, which, isolated, is the most widely used drug in the conventional treatment of cholesterolemia.

The physiological benefit of ingesting 10 mg daily of monacolin K from red yeast was recognized by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in 2012. Therefore, red yeast rice is a natural, milder alternative to drugs, especially when they provide high doses of statins, associated with side effects such as muscle weakness, neuropathies, inflammation of the liver and kidney problems.

Red yeast rice: properties

Red yeast rice is a great cardioprotector. It is indicated to reduce the levels of lipoprotein-A or low-density blood cholesterol (LDL), the most harmful. It also makes the arteries more flexible and helps reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels, thus lowering the risk of heart attacks.

red yeast benefits

It is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that delays aging and harmful cell proliferation. It also improves insulin sensitivity, thanks to a compound that protects the pancreas, and helps in metabolic syndrome by enhancing thyroid action and reducing fat production.

Is it preferable to synthetic statins?

Yes, because its effect is guaranteed with 10 mg of monacolin K, which is accompanied by other monacolins that act synergistically. In addition, they are usually enriched with coenzyme Q10 and phytosterols.

How to take red yeast

In this other article we tell you how to take red yeast, but Ideally, you should consult a specialist before taking it. –because it is not free of side effects– to help you adjust the ideal dose.

One of the main drawbacks of its consumption is that it has not been determined from what dose it can cause adverse effects. That’s why it is recommended not to exceed 10 mg per day of monacalin K and it is essential to carry out a medical follow-up of its use.

If you take it, keep in mind that the liver synthesizes cholesterol when it does not receive food, which is generally at night. Thus, it is better to take the red yeast rice before going to bed, since this action is thus inhibited and the extra production of cholesterol and its release into the blood are prevented early.

Red yeast rice: contraindications

It is not recommended for children, adolescents, pregnant women, women who plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Likewise, those over 70 years of age should avoid it, especially if they have suffered or suffer from kidney, muscle or liver problems.

Its intake should be avoided whenever other statins, immunosuppressive drugs are consumed (cyclosporine) and cytochrome P450 inhibitors. It is also incompatible with alcoholic beverages, grapefruit juice and some herbs, such as St. John’s Wort.

Red yeast rice: side effects

In small doses (10 mg monacolin K), red yeast rice can cause mild effects such as dizziness, headaches, and digestive upset. Higher doses or prolonged use can cause muscle weakness, kidney and liver problems. It should be taken under medical supervision. When choosing a supplement, you should know the dose of monacolin K it contains.