Controlling the levels of cholesterol is essential for people, especially from the 50 years, since an accumulation of this substance in blood is a risk factor for cardiovascular health. In this sense, food plays a key role.
Thus, it is important to carry out a healthy and balanced diet, in addition to regular physical exercise, to prevent the presence of excess cholesterol in the body.
Likewise, when a blood test determines that a person has elevated cholesterol levels The main treatment consists of establishing a series of modifications in terms of lifestyle habits; such as food or physical exercise.
It can also happen that a low-fat diet and physical exercise do not offer the expected result to reduce cholesterol in the blood. Specific medications such as atorvastatin are also used in these types of situations.
Red yeast rice Does it reduce cholesterol?
Indeed, red yeast rice is an excellent element to introduce in a diet whose objective is to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Although, a series of considerations must be taken into account in this regard.
CholesterolSpecifically, red yeast rice is a product that has its origin in China and is obtained thanks to the fermentation of white rice by yeast ' Monascus purpureus ', which is what gives it precisely that red color.
Thus, it has been shown that red rice yeast has beneficial effects to reduce cholesterol levels. Different studies have reported this, something that is also certified by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU).
This yeast has certain strains that, when exposed to certain fermentation conditions, generate substances called monacolins. Specifically, monacolin K is responsible for the beneficial effect of this food against cholesterol.
From the OCU they explain that “monacolin K has the same structure and behavior as lovastatin, an active principle authorized as a medicine for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, which reduces LDL-cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol)”.
Although, the different studies have been able to verify that the daily intake of 10 mg of monacolin produces a positive effect on cholesterol, in reference to the consumption of red yeast rice.
Contraindications of red rice yeast
This rice can be consumed simply for pleasure, regardless of the cholesterol levels that the person presents. However, in case of high cholesterol, its consumption is appropriate.
In any case, the OCU warns that monacolika K can also cause different adverse effects in the body.
And it is that in 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a report on the possible adverse effects that the monacolin K present in red rice yeast could produce. Here are some of them:
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Hepatic injury.
- Skin disorders.
- Muscle damage.
- Myopathy.
In this sense, it must be clear that the common way of consuming red yeast rice is through food supplements, since they provide a sufficient dose of active substance to be effective in reducing blood cholesterol.
Although, before taking red rice yeast as a treatment to reduce cholesterol levels, it is necessary to have the supervision of a medical specialist, who determines if it is beneficial based on the patient's conditions.
