Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is found in every cell of the body. It Is needed to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help the digestive system. The body produces the cholesterol it needs but it is also found in food from animal sources. It is important to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, high levels of cholesterol are common in the United States. However, cholesterol can be controlled, and there are ways to naturally reduce high cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes. Using ingredients such as red yeast rice may also promote healthy cholesterol levels in the body.

What are Normal Levels of Cholesterol?

For adults over the age of 20, healthy cholesterol levels are 125 to 200mg/dL. If you are over the age of 20 it is recommended to get a cholesterol test since high levels of cholesterol often show no symptoms. When and how often depends on age, risk factors, and family history. Some of the factors that affect cholesterol levels include:

• Diet
• Weight
• Age and Sex
• Race
• Physical Activity
• Smoking
• Heredity 

High cholesterol levels lead to fatty plaques that build up in arteries. This is linked to several health conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, and erectile dysfunction. High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It is important to not ignore high levels of cholesterol and get regularly checked.

What is Red Yeast Rice and What is it Used for?

Red yeast rice is used to promote lower cholesterol levels in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes. It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is produced by the fermentation of yeast on rice. The yeast, usually Monascus purpureus, enriches the rice with monacolins, including monacolin K. Monacolin K is structurally identical to the medicine lovastatin, which is used to help slow down the production of cholesterol in the body. Red yeast rice also contains unsaturated fatty acids, isoflavones, and phytosterols. Red yeast rice is believed to promote:

• Lower levels of cholesterol in the body
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Improved heart health
  • Reduced risk of metabolic syndrome 

Why Take Red Yeast Rice at Night?

Taking red yeast rice in the evening before bed may improve its efficacy. Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) are often recommended to be taken in the evening by many doctors. They slow down the production of cholesterol in the liver, mostly produced at night after the body no longer receives food. It is believed red yeast rice promotes the same effects and should be taken similarly in the evening. 

What Lifestyle Changes Help Cholesterol Levels?

Lifestyle changes can help improve levels of cholesterol in the body. Here are a few ways to naturally promote healthy levels of cholesterol:

Change in diet: Eliminating trans fats, reducing saturated fats, increasing fatty-acid-rich foods, and increasing fiber can all help promote healthy levels of cholesterol.  

Exercise: Staying active and getting some sort of physical activity throughout the week can help reduce triglyceride levels and raise good cholesterol levels in the body. It is also important for overall cardiovascular health. 

Weight Management: Extra weight in the body can contribute to higher levels of cholesterol. Weight control takes time, and small changes such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator or munching on pretzels instead of chips can make a difference. 

No Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and can speed up the hardening of arteries. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Limit Alcohol: The consumption of too much alcohol can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. 

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough and your body needs a little more help, you can try a supplement that contains ingredients such as red yeast rice to promote healthy levels of cholesterol.

Where Can I Buy Red Yeast Rice?

You can purchase Red Yeast Rice directly from Health Hispanica. We distribute a variety of cholesterol supplements to support lipid levels and cardiovascular health. Check out Formula CT™, Flaxseed Oil, Hepa Cleanser™, and EPA-DHA-Omega 3 to promote healthy lipid, fat, and cholesterol levels.

Red yeast rice may lower the levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is an important antioxidant that cells use for growth and maintenance. For this reason, it is also recommended to take a coenzyme Q10 supplement when taking red yeast rice. It is also important to have your cholesterol checked regularly so that the intake of red yeast rice can be modified accordingly.  

If you are currently taking statins it is recommended to speak to your doctor before supplementing with red yeast rice in case of any interactions.

Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.