Fermented red rice – a healthy heart and a natural way to lower cholesterol

It is a well-known fact that our health begins on our plate. From time to time, certain products try to become a panacea for our ailments, sometimes based on scientific evidence, sometimes not. One of the most innovative foods in Europe, fermented red rice, promises a number of health benefits and effects. Why should we be interested in the properties of red rice, and how can it affect our health?

Fermented red rice – where does it come from and what exactly is it?

Fermented red rice (red yeast rice) is a traditional Chinese product obtained by fermenting white rice with Monascus purpureus yeast, which gives the rice its characteristic red color. In addition to being used as a food coloring and flavor enhancer, yeast is the secret to the health benefits of red rice.

For thousands of years, it has been used for therapeutic purposes to prevent or treat certain diseases and ailments. Today, dozens of scientific studies have helped to better understand the therapeutic potential of this unusual food.

Certain strains of the yeast Monascus purpureus produce substances called monacolins under specific, favorable fermentation conditions. One of these monacolins, specifically monacolin K, is responsible for the effect of fermented red rice on blood cholesterol levels.

Fermented red rice – what does it help with?

Research on the use of red rice in the treatment of specific conditions confirms that it is a helpful raw material in, among other things:

• Improving intestinal health – thanks to its high fiber content, red rice helps increase stool volume and improve gastrointestinal function, thus facilitating intestinal transit, making it ideal for people suffering from constipation.
• Preventing anemia – fermented red rice is rich in iron, a mineral essential for the proper transport of oxygen in the blood and for preventing and combating anemia. It also contains vitamin B6, which is extremely important in the treatment of a type of hereditary anemia called “sideroblastic anemia.”
• Prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer – in addition to supporting many processes in the digestive system, fermented red rice helps prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer thanks to its high antioxidant content, substances that protect blood vessels from the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries, thus protecting the body from problems such as heart attack and stroke. Weight loss – red rice helps you lose weight because it is rich in fiber, which helps reduce hunger and increase feelings of satiety for longer. Similarly, fiber helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, thereby reducing fat accumulation in the body.
• Preventing diabetes – thanks to its high anthocyanin content, fermented red rice helps regulate blood sugar levels, thereby preventing the potential development of diabetes. What's more, red rice has a medium glycemic index, moderately raising blood sugar, making it a beneficial food for helping to regulate blood glucose levels in people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Fermented red rice – what is worth knowing about its properties?

The yeast used to ferment red rice is mainly known for its high monacolin content. Considered natural statins, these molecules work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. The inhibitory effect of monacolins significantly reduces cholesterol production.

In addition to reducing cholesterol synthesis, monacolins have also been studied for their ability to combat excess lipids in the blood. Studies have shown that statins from fermented red rice enable:

• Reduction of total cholesterol levels
• Lowering of “bad” LDL cholesterol levels
• Lowering of triglyceride levels.

Thanks to the above, red rice produced by yeast fermentation has significant therapeutic potential. It controls hyperlipidemia by lowering blood lipid levels and combats hypercholesterolemia.

Fermented red rice for cholesterol – how effective is it?

Fermented red rice is becoming increasingly popular, mainly due to its positive effect on regulating blood cholesterol levels.

Numerous clinical studies have shown that consuming fermented red rice can significantly lower LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol.” This is particularly important because high LDL cholesterol levels predispose people to potentially fatal heart disease.

As mentioned earlier, monacolins are responsible for all of this, as they can naturally lower and control cholesterol levels. However, it should be noted that red rice contains lower concentrations of monacolins than prescription statins, but it still has a beneficial and, what is more, natural effect on health.

Fermented red rice – side effects and contraindications

Fermented red rice contains large amounts of statins. These are molecules that lower blood lipid levels and can therefore cause potential side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Itching
• Abdominal pain

In addition, some people may be intolerant to statins. This intolerance usually affects sensitive individuals with genetic predispositions, immune diseases, or those undergoing treatment with agents that significantly lower lipid levels in the body.

Monacolin K behaves like Lovastatin, which is also a blood lipid stabilizer. For this reason, the same rules regarding restrictions and potential contraindications apply to them. People who should avoid fermented red rice include, in particular:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Children and adolescents
• People over 70 years of age
• People with untreated hypothyroidism
• People with liver, kidney, or muscle problems.

Furthermore, fermented red rice may interact with other substances. It is not recommended to use red rice together with cholesterol-lowering drugs, as well as when consuming large amounts of grapefruit or drinking alcohol.

Fermented red rice – user and scientific opinions

Due to its rich medicinal properties, fermented red rice is very popular among people who use dietary supplements to lower their blood cholesterol levels. People who use red rice also praise the ease of use of the supplement in capsule form and its effectiveness in improving intestinal transit after heavy meals.

What is more, the international scientific community also looks favorably on the benefits of using fermented red rice for preventive health care. Scientists attribute health properties to it that affect the cardiovascular system, as well as significant relief from gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea.

Bibliography

“A meta-analysis of red yeast rice: an effective and relatively safe alternative approach for dyslipidemia” – Y. Li et al., PLoS One scientific journal, PLoS, 2014.

“Can red yeast rice and olive extract improve lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome?: A double blind, placebo controlled randomized trial” – V. Verhoeven et al., BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine scientific journal, BioMed Central, 2015.