Health Benefits of Red Yeast Rice
October 20, 2009
Red yeast rice is bright reddish colored rice, which is fermented with yeast known as Monascus purpureus. This red colored fermented rice is used extensively in China and Japan.
It is also known as red kojic rice, red koji rice, ang kak, ang chau, fungkiuk or ang kak. Although, primarily used as a food colorant, spice, preservative and for preparing rice wine, the red yeast rice is also used as a medicine for treating several diseases.
Reduces cholesterol
Red yeast rice helps to lower the cholesterol level in the blood. According to researchers, the Monascus purpureus, the yeast responsible for the red color of the fermented rice, obstructs the action of a certain liver enzyme associated with increasing the cholesterol level in the bloodstream.
Monacolin K, an active ingredient found in red yeast rice, could prevent the liver from producing excess cholesterol. Red yeast rice consumption could therefore help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found that total cholesterol level in the blood dropped significantly in people consuming about 13.5mg of monacolin K, present in concentrated red yeast rice, regularly for about two months.
Studies have shown that intake of around 2.4 grams of red yeast rice daily for about three months reduced the level of low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Besides, monacolin K, other ingredients present in red yeast rice, such as fibers can also help to remove excess cholesterol from the body.
Good for heart
Red yeast rice is good for the cardiovascular health. Besides the cholesterol reducing property of red yeast rice, it is also a good antioxidant. Mevinolin, an active component found in the red yeast rice, is a potent antioxidant, which prevents oxidation of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels. Consumption of red yeast rice could help to prevent plague formation in arteries.
Treating digestion problems
In traditional Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is used for treating indigestion. It can also help to heal dysentery, diarrhea and associated abdominal pain symptoms.
Promotes blood circulation
Intake of red yeast rice is recommended to improve blood circulation.
Diabetes
Red yeast rice is also believed to be beneficial for diabetes patients.
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