What is red yeast extract?

Red yeast extract is a compound extracted from red yeast rice, Asian specialties that have been produced and consumed for centuries. A study of red yeast rice and yeast rice extract showed that it can reduce cholesterol levels. In fact, some of the active compounds in red yeast rice occur in prescription drugs to reduce cholesterol. This extract is sold as a food supplement, although some regulators indicate that it should be treated as a drug. It is produced by growing yeast known as Monascus purpureus on polished rice, allowing the rice to cover with a thick layer of reddish yeast. Once the yeast is cultivated, the rice can be packed for sale and any cooking or treated to obtain red yeast extract, which can be sold in the form of liquid or capsule.

chemicals Analysis of red yeast rice indicated that it contains compounds that inhibit C formationHolesterol, thus reducing cholesterol levels. In scientific studies, red yeast extract does not have any impact on the level of good cholesterol, instead of lowering triglycerides and lipoprotein with low density (LDL) cholesterol. Some scientists have suggested that the consumption of red yeast rice can explain traditionally low cholesterol levels in Asian populations, although this may also be related to dietary trends and exercise habits.

red yeast extract can act as a drug decreasing statin or cholesterol, and some practicing alternative medicine recommend it to patients with high cholesterol levels. However, certain objections are included. Statins should be used under medical supervision, with periodic blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels and many medical professorsnals feel that the red yeast extract should be treated with the same waybem because it is chemically similar to pharmaceutical drugs.

Using red yeast extract is also less reliable than the use of statin because it is not formulated and composed in the laboratory, which means that the levels of cholesterol -reducing compounds may vary from dose to dose. It is therefore difficult to reach the recommendation of dosing. Patients may also experience flatulence, nausea and all symptoms with the use of statin and red yeast extract has also been associated with liver damage, so that they should not be used by people with chronic liveatic conditions.