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Red Yeast Rice |
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Red Yeast RiceRed yeast rice is a product of yeast grown on rice.
It is also known as red fermented rice and is bright reddish purple in colour. Red yeast rice is commonly sold in Asian markets in varying forms such as pasteurized aggregates, whole grains or ground powder.
The yeast ‘Monascus Purpureus’ is cultivated on polished rice to produce red yeast rice. China is the largest producer of red yeast rice and this rice was earlier used as red food coloring before the discovery of chemical food colors.
Red yeast rice is known to treat problems related to cholesterol, gastric problems, aid digestion and improves blood circulation.
Red yeast rice contains several compounds known as Monacolins which are known to cause cholesterol reduction. Red yeast rice when produced using the 'Went' strain of Monascus purpureus contains significant quanitites of natural statin which reduces blood levels of cholesterol, triglyceride levels and LDL (Low Density LipoProtein).
There is continious research and development to produce red yeast rice with significant quanitites of naturally occuring statin. Minimal scientific evidence also exists with regard to the efficacy of the red yeast rice as a cure for diabetes and cornonary heart diseases.
Red yeast rice is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a dietary supplement while an ongoing legal debate may consider the red yeast rice to be reclassified as a prescription drug.
Red yeast rice extracts are found in varying forms such as tablets and capsules.
Such tablets and capsules can purchased from local stores or from online retailers. The suggested intake of red yeast rice tablets or capsules is 600mg twice or four times a day. There are various side effects that must be considered before considering the intake of this supplement. Some of the commonly known side effects are: headache, indigestion, heartburn, muscle pain, joint pain , liver inflammation , dizziness etc.
It is advisable to consider intake of such supplements after consultation with a medical practitioner. Some causes fror concern are:
- Citrinin found in red yeast rice is a toxic by-product due to fermentation
- Red yeast rice must not be consumed by pregnant or breast feeding mothers
- Consuming red yeast rice runs the risk of impairing liver functions and should be therefore avoided by those already suffering from liver ailments.
- Intake of red yest rice must be avoided by those suffering from infections, kidney disease and organ transplant.
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