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The Uses of Red Yeast Rice Powder

Red yeast rice powder has been used by Asian cultures since A.D. 800. More than 2,800 years ago, red yeast rice was first used by the Chinese as a food preserve and color additive. During the Ming Dystany of A.D. 1368 to A.D. 1644, it was noted in publication that red yeast rice assisted in the relief of gastrointestinal issues, increased blood circulation, and promoted overall stomach health.

  1. Food Additive

    • Asian countries use red yeast rice powder in making rice wine. Additionally, red yeast rice is added to foods as a flavoring agent, and used as an additive to maintain meat or fish color and flavor. It is a staple item in most Asian households.

    Managing Cholesterol

    • Containing compounds indenitcal to "statins," or cholesterol lowering agents found in presricption drugs, red yeast rice is sold as a natural over-the-counter cholesterol-lowering supplement. Statins, such as Lovastatin found in red yeast rice powder, decreases the amount of cholesterol made in the liver by blocking the enzyme that manages the amount of cholesterol production.

    Improve Blood Circulation

    • Red yeast rice powder's ability to help improve blood circulation was discovered during the Ming Dynasty. It is believed that the supplement's cholesterol-lowering properties are linked to its assumed ability to increase blood circulation. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

    Prevent Heart Disease

    • For more than 2,000 years, red yeast rice powder has played a significant role in promoting a healthy cardiovascular system through improved blood flow and reduced clotting in the Chinese people. It has also been found that red yeast rice assists in the prevention of "atherosclerosis," a condition that can ultimately lead to coronary heart disease. According to U.S. News, a new study suggests that previous heart attack suffers may decrease their chance of another attack by 45 percent by taking red yeast rice.

    Treat Stomach Pain

    • The use of red yeast rice for stomach issues was first mentioned in an ancient Chinese publication, "Ben Cao Gang Mu-Dan Shi Bu Yi." The practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use red yeast rice powder to alleviate gastrointestinal issues due to stagnant blood. Further studies are needed to confirm the use of red yeast rice for abdominal pain and conditions.

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