What is Red Yeast Rice? Benefits and Uses
What is Red Yeast Rice? Benefits and Uses
People have been using red yeast rice, sometimes referred to as Went yeast, for centuries as part of traditional Chinese medicine.[1] It's made by growing a specific type of yeast — a species of fungi called Monascus purpureus — on white rice.[2] The resulting red yeast rice has been enjoyed for decades as both a food and a health supplement in Asia. Popularity for this supplement has skyrocketed in North America recently due to fascinating new research that reveals how the fermentation process produces beneficial compounds that may support a healthy heart and overall wellness.
Red Yeast Rice Benefits
As the rice ferments with Monascus purpureus, the fungi produce compounds known as monacolins, whose structure is similar to certain recognized helpful compounds. This discovery has triggered a growing body of research investigating how red yeast rice may offer a wide range of potential health benefits.
Cardio & Cholesterol Support
In the past few years, nearly half of all Americans had some form of cardiovascular health concerns.[3] Nearly two dozen studies have found that red yeast rice could support healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in some people[JD1].[4] Also, scientists suspect that other compounds in red yeast rice, such as phytosterols (plant-derived sterols), unsaturated fatty acids and isoflavones may contribute to its cholesterol-supporting effect .[5]
Overall Metabolic Health
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,[6] approximately 1 in 3 Americans have metabolic concerns. The good news is that these are largely manageable.
It all comes down to managing your health, including maintaining a healthy weight, balancing blood sugar levels, supporting your immune system and ensuring quality sleep. Research suggests that red yeast rice may help to balance and maintain multiple health markers.[7] For instance, some studies have found that the combination of red yeast rice and supplements like Berberine may support healthy weight management[8] and blood glucose control by promoting healthy insulin levels.[9]
Red Yeast Rice and Oxidative Stress
Medical professionals are raising the alarm about oxidative stress — an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in your body that often causes damage on a cellular level. Oxidative stress may also contribute to joint health problems, respiratory challenges, weight imbalance, cognitive health concerns and more.[10]
Red yeast rice contains numerous compounds that have been shown to help protect against oxidative stress .[11] For instance, its plant-based sterols have been shown to positively influence markers of oxidative stress.[12]
The Potential Side Effects
The findings from a systematic analysis of more than 50 clinical trials suggest that red yeast rice products and supplements were safe for some people.[13] However, some individuals — especially those with pre-existing health conditions — need to be aware of certain potential side effects. Consult a medical professional to ensure you’re aware of how any natural health supplements interact with current medications, other vitamins or supplements you’re taking or any health concerns you have.
Potential Weakened Immune System due to Citrinin
If you’re looking for the best red yeast rice supplements, ensure you’re buying from a reputable source that assures the potency and purity of its ingredients. Some low-quality red yeast rice supplements have been found to be contaminated with citrinin,[14] a toxin that may weaken your immune system, damage your kidneys or cause symptoms of food poisoning.
Nausea and Muscle Damage
Red yeast rice may sometimes affect digestion, with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Other possible but rare side effects include damage to muscles, kidneys or liver.[15]
Duration and Other Factors
If you have liver health concerns such as liver disease or if you drink alcoholic beverages daily, talk to your doctor about adding a red yeast rice supplement. You should avoid red yeast rice if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or under the age of 20.[16] Due to a lack of research, talk to your doctor before taking red yeast rice supplements for longer than 12 weeks, and always consult a medical professional about how red yeast rice may interact with any medications you’re taking — especially cholesterol medication and anticoagulants.
Who Should Take Red Yeast Rice?
Some people might consider taking red yeast rice supplements for its numerous potential health benefits, but it's not for everyone. Among the most common reasons for taking red yeast rice are:
- Supporting healthy cholesterol levels and a healthy blood lipid profile
- Protecting against oxidative stress
- Maintaining balance for multiple health markers related to overall wellness and vitality
But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Talk to your doctor before you take red yeast rice if you’re:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Already on prescription medicals for any related health concerns
- Experiencing kidney problems, liver disease or muscle disorders
How Much Should I Take?
The right amount for you depends on different factors such as your overall health status and the specific supplement you choose. Beneficial results may occur at anywhere from 1,200 to 3,000 mg of red yeast rice a day. Consult your healthcare providers for guidance and follow the manufacturer’s labeled guidelines on your chosen red yeast rice supplement.
Embrace Holistic Wellness with the Best Red Yeast Rice Supplements
Are you ready to explore the benefits of red yeast rice for your cholesterol, heart health and overall health? You can get started quickly with our collection of best-selling red yeast rice supplements.
You be well, now.
Swanson
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About Dr. Christopher Oseh
Christopher Oseh, MD, is a trained primary care physician leveraging almost a decade of clinical experience managing and counseling patients toward better health through positive lifestyle changes. He has a strong track record of treating and co-managing individuals with chronic illnesses.
Sources:
[1] Supplements for three common conditions. Harvard Medical School. Read source.
[2] Red yeast rice. Mayo Clinic. Read source.
[3] 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet. American Heart Association. Read source.
[4] The effects of red yeast rice dietary supplement on blood pressure, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein in hypertension: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Read source.
[5] Red yeast rice. Mount Sinai. Read source.
[6] National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. What Is Metabolic Syndrome? Read source.
[7] Functional food red yeast rice (RYR) for metabolic syndrome amelioration: a review on pros and cons. World J Microbiol Biotechnol. Read source.
[8] Beneficial Effects of Red Yeast Rice on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity, Hyperlipidemia, and Fatty Liver in Mice. J Med Food. Read source.
[9] A nutraceutical combination improves insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome. World J Cardiol. Read source.
[10] Chronic Inflammation. National Library of Medicine. Read source.
[11] A red yeast rice-olive extract supplement reduces biomarkers of oxidative stress, OxLDL and Lp-PLA2, in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Trials. Read source.
[12] Plant-based sterols and stanols in health & disease: “Consequences of human development in a plant-based environment?”. Progress in Lipid Research. Read source.
[13] Safety of red yeast rice supplementation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. Read source.
[14] Supplements for three common conditions. Harvard Medical School. Read source.
[15] Red Yeast Rice: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Read source.
[16] Red yeast rice. Mount Sinai. Read source.
