Red yeast rice is a fermented rice used in Asian cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine to lower cholesterol levels. Its chemical composition is similar to some prescription drugs, and studies show it can lower cholesterol, but its impact on other health conditions is unclear. It can be purchased at health food stores and may require consultation with a doctor before consumption.
Red yeast rice is a type of rice that is fermented with yeast, giving the rice a distinctive color and flavour. In addition to being used for culinary purposes, red yeast rice is also believed to be medically beneficial, specifically helping to lower cholesterol levels. Asian markets sometimes carry this rice, in a variety of forms, and it can also be purchased at some health food stores and through companies that supply ingredients used in alternative medicine.
In fact, the chemicals in red yeast rice are so similar to some prescription drugs that the American Food and Drug Administration has considered regulating it, out of concern that people might not use the rice responsibly. Several studies have been done on this rice to learn more about what it contains, and the yeast used to make rice, Monascus purpureus, has even been used to make some statins or cholesterol-lowering drugs.
This rice is made by husking and polishing plain rice and then fermenting it with yeast, allowing the rice to develop a dense red to purple colored crust. Once the rice has been fully fermented, it can be processed in a variety of ways. Some companies pasteurize and package the rice, while others may dry the rice. It can also be blended or made into an extract which is used as a dietary supplement.
Historically, red yeast rice has been used to add color to many Asian dishes by taking advantage of its naturally red appearance. It’s also prepared and served just like regular rice, to accompany a range of dishes. The rice has a slightly earthy, fermented flavor that some people find quite pleasant. Red yeast rice and its extract are also used in traditional Chinese medicine to lower cholesterol and treat intestinal disorders.
Studies done in the West have shown that this type of rice actually lowers cholesterol when eaten regularly, although purified statins and other drugs are probably safer and more effective. However, it appears to have little impact on stomach health or cardiovascular conditions, garnering a grade of “C,” which suggests “unclear scientific evidence” to support these uses. Because red yeast rice can potentially impact cholesterol, people who plan to consume a lot of this rice may want to consult their doctors to make sure it’s appropriate for them; rice is also considered potentially dangerous for pregnant and lactating women.
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