Today we will talk to you about food supplements to fermented rice, trying to answer some questions including: what are the supplements to reduce the level of cholesterol And when to take them? What are the side effects and the contraindications relating to the red yeast rice? And lastly, Better the supplements of Omega 3 or of red yeast rice?
Here's a detailed overview of this type of dietary supplement, which will clear up any doubts you may have about it.
Red yeast rice supplements: what they are
There are some today food supplements which are used by people to keep blood cholesterol levels under controlAmong these supplements are those based on red yeast rice. Knowing these supplements precisely is very important, since their use can cause unpleasant side effects. side effects or contraindicationsHere's everything you need to know.
The food supplements Fermented red rice is now widely used in our country to control blood cholesterol levels. Too high a cholesterol level can be dangerous for our body since it represents a concrete risk for the cardiovascular diseases: it is important to underline that the latter represent the leading cause of death in Western countries.
Red yeast rice supplements, although not recognized as true medications, can cause some side effects, some of which are particularly unpleasant. For this reason, taking these supplements must be supervised by a doctor.
Red yeast rice: monacolin K
Among the cardiovascular prevention strategies recommended by health professionals for several years now is the intake of red yeast rice food supplements. The reason for using these supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease is the presence of a substance called monacolina KThis substance has an effect on our body comparable to that of taking statins, with all the pros and cons. Statins are found in cholesterol-lowering drugs. Monacolin K actually acts in our body like a real medicine.
Red yeast rice, characteristics
Red yeast rice is obtained from fermentation of common cooking riceA particular process takes place in fermentation. fungus called Monascus PurpureusThis mushroom has been used in China for thousands of years to produce rice wine.
We can say that the scientific interest of red rice is mainly based on the action of the fungus Monascus PurpureusThe latter, during its activity, is able to produce significant concentrations of monacolins during the fermentation phase, including the aforementioned monacolin K. It is precisely to this latter that the important ability to lower cholesterol is attributed.
Monacolin K and lovastatin
The pharmacological action of monacolin K, as well as its chemical structure, can be compared to that of lovastatin: it is a drug classified in the statin category and mainly used for the treatment of thehypercholesterolemia.
In fact, monacolin K acts in a similar way to lovastatin, inhibiting an enzyme that plays a primary role in cholesterol biosynthesis.
Good cholesterol and bad cholesterol: the differences
When it comes to controlling cholesterol levels, it is important to clarify the important differences that there are tbetween good cholesterol and bad cholesterolLet's try to understand first of all what is cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fat produced partly by our body and used by it for digestion. Cholesterol produces vitamin D, which helps build cell walls. Cholesterol is transported in the blood via specific lipoproteins, which differ in density and size. For this reason, it's important to distinguish between cholesterol that binds to low-density lipoproteins, called LDL or bad cholesterol and cholesterol that binds to high-density lipoproteins, called HDL or good cholesterol.
Bad cholesterol can deposit in the artery walls, potentially causing significant damage, while good cholesterol helps and supports the removal of bad cholesterol from the vessel walls, which is then transported to the liver.
Normalize cholesterol levels with red yeast rice supplements
Numerous studies have shown that taking red yeast rice supplements is effective in normalizing total blood cholesterol levels.
We would like to mention in particular a study conducted on 324 dyslipidemic patients, who after 8 weeks of use of fermented red rice supplements, showed a 23 percent reduction in total cholesterol present in one's blood.
The study conducted demonstrated how taking supplements based on red yeast rice is more effective than administering equivalent doses of lovastatin.
The action of these supplements is not limited to the properties of the aforementioned monacolin K, but to a set of combined actions.
From a commercial standpoint, unlike statins, the production of supplements based on red yeast rice is permitted: however, the Ministry of Health imposes a limit of 10 milligrams to ensure its safety. The Ministry of Health also recommends that, due to the presence of monacolin K, supplements based on red yeast rice should be taken with caution. seek medical advice.
Obviously, taking these supplements is absolutely not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for people undergoing treatment involving the use of lipid-lowering drugs.
Red yeast rice supplements: side effects
Let's look at the main side effects caused by taking red yeast rice supplements. Some organizations and scientific bodies emphasize that using this type of dietary supplement can sometimes expose consumers to potential health risks. These risks are particularly prevalent in people who are particularly sensitive due to genetic predispositions, or who are currently undergoing medical conditions or treatments.
Among the main adverse reactions and contraindications reported and found in some users of red rice-based supplements fermented there are:
- Muscle pain and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle cells)
- Gastrointestinal reactions
- Skin reactions
- Liver damage
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Headache
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Intestinal bloating and flatulence
From the above, it clearly emerges that the risk of taking these supplements is comparable to that of statins.
Red yeast rice: how long to take it
Due to the presence of monacolin K in this supplement, it is advisable to cycle its intake in periods established with your doctor, perhaps supported by the opinion of a dietician.
Red yeast rice: can it be stopped?
As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, taking red yeast rice supplements may cause some side effects. People taking these supplements may experience severe headaches and some gastrointestinal problems.
If you experience side effects, it is best to immediately discontinue taking these supplements, in consultation with your doctor.
Taking red yeast rice every other day
In some cases, taking a red yeast rice supplement every other day may be sufficient. Alternate-day administration may be sufficient for cholesterol levels between 200 and 300 mg/dL.
01 FERMENTED RED RICE WITH COENZYME Q10, of FGM04 is a food supplement based on monacolin K (2.9 mg per day) from fermented red rice with coenzyme Q10 (10 mg per day).
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It promotes the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels
Thanks to little monacolina K. -
Supports cardiovascular health
With coenzyme Q10, also useful in case of statins. -
Combined antioxidant action
With vitamin E and policosanols.
Photo credits:
Blood pressure measurement. Image by senivpetro on Freepik
Heachache. Image by nakaridore on Freepik
