Can Red Rice Yeast Lower cholesterol?
Authentic red rice yeast contains Monacolins; Statin drugs are a type of monacolin which stop cholesterol synthesis in the liver. In fact some of the strongest cholesterol lowering drugs, such as Mevinolin and Lovastatin are statin doctor prescribed drugs and so contain monacolins as found in red yeast rice.
Can I use red rice yeast instead of my prescription drugs?
If someone is diagnosed with heart disease, they should take the very best drugs that we have in Western medicine (doctor prescribed). And especially if you’ve had a heart attack, you should take a cholesterol reducing drug. However, for those people who are relatively healthy (and there is a large number with moderately elevated cholesterol who are not currently taking medicine), with their doctor’s approval, these patients could safely take this natural vitamin supplement and lower the risk of heart disease by lowering their levels of cholesterol, but what about safety?
How safe are red yeast rice products?
Animal studies conducted in China using high doses of red rice yeast supplements. No damage to the liver, kidneys, or other organs was demonstrated in these studies.
Patients with moderate to severe cholesterol abnormalities, and patients who are at high risk of developing heart attacks or strokes are not candidates for should consider stronger products such as prescription drugs. Examples of patients that are at high risk of heart trouble include people who have already had a heart attack and/or stroke, people with diabetes mellitus, and patients with atherosclerosis in the arteries that supply blood to the brain and to the extremities. In these patients, red yeast rice (along with weight loss, diet, and exercise) may not be enough to reach the degree of cholesterol lowering desired in a short period of time.
Natural cholesterol reducing supplements such as red yeast rice are great alternatives for those wanting to support healthy cholesterol levels before something worst happens. There are many natural brands such as red yeast rice by Solaray and natures plus. Great cholesterol lowering products like this one are available at your local or internet health food store.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Red yeast rice is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
