Are Guggul and Red Yeast Rice a Safe and Effective Natural Remedy For High Cholesterol?
By Max Wardlow

The natural nutrients guggul and red yeast rice have been used for hundreds of years in the worlds oldest healing traditions, Ayurvedic medicine of India and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Red yeast rice, used since the 7th century A.D. in China , is actually a cooked rice by-product which has been dried, and then used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, it has been used as a digestive stimulant and to improve blood circulation.

The benefits of red yeast rice are attracting attention today largely because of its effectiveness in safely lowering cholesterol. It's effectiveness for this purpose is backed by numerous reliable research studies as well as centuries of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Recent research has shown that people who had to discontinue use of prescription statin cholesterol drugs because of adverse side effects did well with red yeast rice and had impressive improvements in cholesterol levels.

The herb guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicine traditionally for a wide range of conditions, including balancing cholesterol and triglyceride levels and it's effectiveness for these conditions is now backed by solid clinical research.

In one particular research study, after three months of using guggul the result was lower levels of total cholesterol and serum triglycerides (ave. 23% reduction) in the majority of participants.

Two other research trials in India confirmed that guggul can lower total cholesterol and raise HDL (so-called "good cholesterol"). Some people in the clinical trials reported mild digestive upset. There are no other reports of adverse side effects.

The effects that it has on blood cholesterol levels is comparable to prescription cholesterol drugs, but it is without the side effects since it is a natural plant extract.

Are Guggul and Red Yeast Rice Safe?

The safety of red yeast rice is sometimes called into question by some researchers. Their argument is that since it contains compounds that seem to produce an effect similar to cholesterol lowering statin drugs, it may produce dangerous adverse side effects as do the drugs. So far, current research does not support this theory, although more research is needed, for now there is no solid evidence that red yeast rice is unsafe.

Guggul & red yeast rice are natural remedies that are mild and gentle to the body. They can be used safely for extended periods of time without risk of addiction. Centuries of use and modern research have shown these nutrients to be safe and without significant side effects.

Since everyone responds differently, you may want to consult your health care provider before starting any supplementation program or to have any questions or concerns addressed.

Max Wardlow is an independent natural health and nutritional supplement researcher and helps manage a website about natural remedies. Visit today to find out more about guggul and red yeast rice supplements.

How Dangerous Are Red Yeast Rice Side Effects?
By Max Wardlow

What are red yeast rice side effects? Is it a safe natural alternative to help support balanced cholesterol levels?

These are valid questions especially in view of the controversy generated around red yeast rice the last several years as several popular brands of red yeast rice (RYR) supplements were pulled from the market by the FDA.

RYR has been used for over a thousand years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a promoter of blood circulation and a digestive stimulant.

Recent research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that red yeast rice has significant cholesterol-lowering effects.

Based on recent research, 62 people who were unable to continue treatment with prescription cholesterol lowering drugs due to adverse side effects, took RYR supplements and made lifestyle adjustments for six months. After three months, the LDL (so-called "bad" cholesterol) levels of those taking the active supplements had declined 27%, compared to 6% in the placebo group.

Red Yeast Rice Side Effects - Is It Safe?

In 2007, several brands of popular RYR supplements were pulled from the market by the FDA. The official reason given was safety concerns because of the use of standardized extracts which FDA tests found contained high levels of lovastatin, the active ingredient in Mevacor, a prescription drug approved for marketing in the United States as a treatment for high cholesterol.

Although safety reasons were the official explanation for pulling the RYR products, there has been legal dispute as to whether RYR is a drug or a dietary supplement, involving the supplement manufacturers, the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry, particularly producers of so-called "statin drugs."

Apparently, the safety concern is based on the known risks and side effects of prescription cholesterol lowering statin drugs which rely on lovastatin as the main active ingredient. The safety concern was for only certain red yeast rice supplements containing high levels of the standardized extract lovastatin. This is why manufacturers of holistic herbal remedies don't use or approve of the standardization process.

The standardization process involves the isolation and concentration of a single ingredient (lovastatin for example). This is done with harsh chemicals, traces of which can't be fully removed from the final product. It's a well known principle in traditional herbalism that isolation and concentration enhances the potency of a single ingredient while also increasing the risk of side effects.

Another recent example of the dangers of using this manufacturing process includes the development of liver toxicity from using Kava Kava standardized extract, an herb which has been safely used for hundreds of years.

Red yeast rice in its natural state consists of 14 monacolin compounds such as monacolin K, a natural lovastatin. From a holistic point-of-view these other monacolins, along with its naturally occurring fatty acids, anti-oxidants and other nutrients, work together to enhance its cholesterol-balancing and other health enhancing benefits without producing negative side effects.

The mainstream medical community is slow to accept red yeast rice as an alternative to statin drugs, even though there is no solid evidence that RYR is unsafe. The quality of nutritional supplements on the market does vary and it's the responsibility of the supplement user to locate high quality products manufactured by companies that follow agreed upon good manufacturing practices (GMP).

If you have concerns about red yeast rice side effects, look for supplements produced without the use of standardized extracts. Take a little time to read labels and research products. If you have questions or concerns, consult your health care provider before starting any supplementation program.

Max Wardlow is an independent natural health and nutritional supplement researcher and helps manage a website about natural remedies. Visit today to find out more about safe, high quality red yeast rice supplements.

Red Yeast Rice - Cholesterol Lowering Supplement
By George Christodoulou

In recent months, red yeast rice has received a lot of attention from the medical community because there is hope that it may be a great alternative to prescription cholesterol medication. I will attempt to offer some background about the substance, what it is, and finally how it can help you.

What is Red Yeast Rice?

By reading the name you can understand fully that it is a rice that is covered in a red fungus. Like the yeast you use to make bread rise or to make beer, it naturally occurs in nature with rice. As spelled out for you in the name, it is a red substance that coats some kinds of rice. In China, medical experts have found ancient writings about this miracle substance that recounted its amazing effects in improving stomach problems, improved the circulatory system, and spline function.

This news of this amazing substance has been taken very seriously because it can be an alternative to prescription cholesterol drugs. Many people know that these types of drugs carry with them the risk for extremely severe muscle conditions that lead to death.

What are the benefits?

Studies at the University of Pennsylvania concluded that the substance successful reduced the levels of bad cholesterol (or ldl) in the blood. The blind study was conducted by offering half of the group 2 tablets of 600 mg red yeast rice to one group and placebo (sugar pills) tot eh other group with instructions for improving diet, exercise, and relaxation.

Statistically, the study proved that the group who received red yeast rice showed reduced levels of bad cholesterol. The group saw no decrease in good cholesterol or important blood enzymes (as is common with cholesterol drugs) The study proved that this amazing substance can definitely improve cholesterol numbers and help people who are unable to take prescription drugs.

How Does Red Yeast Rice Work?

Red yeast rice is a product of fermentation by monascus purpureus a kind of fungus that grows on rice. The fermentation process creates a substance called lovastatin. This substance is exactly the same as in the drugs that conventional medicine offers to patients. Even more amazing is that it works without the side effects or the high price of those other drugs.

Lovastatin works by preventing the liver from producing more cholesterol to send to the rest of your body. There is debate as to whether or not red yeast rice is a drug or a supplement because of this naturally occurring substance, lovastatin.

Where Do I Find It?

There are many supplements that contain red yeast rice. Unfortunately, not all of them are effective. Some do not actually contain the much needed lovastatin. If the supplement version does not contain this ingredient it is almost completely worthless.

Dozens of supplements with red yeast rice have been reviewed and the top 3 have been displayed: http://lowercholesterolreview.com

The characteristics of these 3 supplements that make them the best are their ability to reduce cholesterol, their price, and their overall customer feedback level.

To learn more about red yeast rice cholesterol supplements read our reviews.

You too can finally have lower cholesterol. I hope this article inspired you to take action today so you don't have to suffer the consequences of high cholesterol tomorrow.

Top 3 Red Yeast Rice Benefits - For Your Heart's Sake!
By Marie Nolan

Both alternative and traditional medical practitioners accept the red yeast rice benefits of cholesterol lowering, and circulation boosting for heart-healthy protection.

It's not rocket science and red yeast rice has been around and used in cooking and healing for centuries in countries like China. Our society's increasing demand for more natural remedies and solutions to our ailments saw the introduction of this naturally-occurring miracle here in America several years ago, and its popularity has grown in leaps and bounds.

Treat Heart Disease Naturally

A holistic approach to heart health is best, so consideration should also be given to a regular exercise routine, the introduction of low cholesterol foods into your diet and of course the addition of high quality supplements to augment your efforts and give your heart that extra help it may need to combat the stresses of modern day life.

Red yeast rice benefits can be gained from supplements and are often favored by those looking for an alternative to medically prescribed statins for high cholesterol for 3 main reasons.

#1 — It's All-Natural

Red yeast rice is wholly natural. The introduction of the yeast strain monascus purpureus to the rice and its subsequent fermentation is aided only by mother nature's provision of warmth and water.

#2 — It's Easy to Add to Your Everyday Diet

There are various ways of introducing this wonder food into your diet and life. You can get it through supplements or you can very easily substitute your red yeast rice in some of the dishes and foods that you would normally be preparing.

What is great about it is the fact that both methods are equally as effective in imparting those red yeast rice benefits, which affords a greater choice and flexibility to the user.

#3 — It's Cheaper Than Prescriptions

Depending on your circumstances and health protection plan, red yeast rice can be a cheaper alternative to its prescribed medical alternative. As you do not need a prescription to purchase, the cost of a doctor's visit and that prescription is negated.

Not having to schedule a visit to your doctor should also be taken into consideration if you have a busy and demanding lifestyle.

Taking time and care when researching your chosen supplement will ensure that you get the full benefits this heart-healthy food. After all, isn't your own health is worth it?

Red Yeast Rice to Lower Cholesterol

Taking red yeast rice to lower cholesterol is great, but did you know there are other ways for lowering cholesterol naturally? And as we all know, lowering cholesterol is a step in the right direction for lowering heart disease risks.

Speaking of heart disease, do you know mild heart attack symptoms look like? If you don't, you might be risking your life, or at the very least, your health. Find out now!

Red Yeast Rice Benefits - Why You Should Be Familiar With This Form of Rice
By Ima Johnson

Red yeast rice supplement is a new form of rice that seems to have swept the market today. Many people today have started to include rice in their diet for a number of reasons. In fact, once you too are aware of all the benefits and advantages that rice, especially red yeast rice can provide, you too might want to consider suitably modifying your diet to include this form of rice. After all, eating right and staying healthy is quite important today, considering the number of many ways in which one can fall ill.

Traditional Benefits Of Rice

The thing about rice is that it has been associated with high energy so far and this will not change and will stay the same for generations to come. You might have often heard about your mother trying to convince you to include a healthy serving of rice in your meals, thanks to the high nutritional value that you get with this food group. Hence, it has been established that rice in the right quantity can actually be of great help and help you stay healthy. The thing that might interest you the most is that red yeast rice benefits include all of these as well as a couple more that are unique to this form of rice.

Red Yeast Rice And Cholesterol

The biggest advantage of red yeast rice has to be the influence of it on the cholesterol levels in our body. In fact, the rice plays a positive role in this regard, which might be something of interest to health conscious individuals as well as other people in general. The levels of cholesterol in our body constantly keep changing and it is essential that they be kept in check. A majority of the food items that we consume today influences these levels, either in a good way or bad.

As said previously, key red yeast rice benefits arise from the fact that it contains Hydroxymethyl-glutarylCoAreductace inhibitors, which are vital in maintaining the levels of good cholesterol in the body. Of course, the exact effect of the red yeast rice can only be achieved when you consume it in the right quantities. With the expertise of an able dietician, you will be surprised at the results that you can achieve and how simple it can be to actually do something about your health.

If you are wondering about whether this kind of rice is something that was recently developed in the laboratories, you might be surprised to know that this form of rice has been in existence from a very long time. Its usage can be traced back to many civilizations in Asia, where people continue to live for very long and stay extremely healthy. Since this is something that you are going to be consuming, you might want to first give it a try to see if your body is okay with this form of rice. In very rare cases, you might have some bad reaction to it, but this is the usual risk that is associated with pretty much all food items.

For learning more about red yeast rice Supplement and how it can be of use to you, you should head over to ldlhdl.com. Here, you can even learn about the different red yeast rice benefits and learn how much of a difference it can make to your health.