Did you know that high cholesterol is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis, and it is especially dangerous because it doesn’t show any symptoms? It’s worth noting that treatment guidelines recommend, in addition to lifestyle changes, the use of red rice supplements as the first recommendation to keep cholesterol levels in check.
If you have any unanswered questions about red rice and cholesterol, we will provide a detailed overview below on how to take red rice supplements to effectively lower cholesterol.
What is Chinese Fermented Red Rice?
Chinese fermented red rice extract is often confused with the red rice sold in stores. It is important to know that these are completely different products, and the red rice sold in stores does not have any cholesterol-lowering effects.
The cholesterol-lowering red rice is obtained by fermenting white rice. The fermentation process gives the rice its red color and the active ingredient Monacolin K, which is known as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and blocking it with Monacolin K from red rice helps lower cholesterol levels in the body.
What is Red Rice Supplement Used For?
Today, red rice extract-containing supplements are commonly used for lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as protecting cardiovascular health. The effectiveness of red rice supplements in lowering cholesterol is the best documented in clinical studies among natural remedies.
The European dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) treatment guidelines include the use of red rice supplements as one of 8 remedies when cholesterol levels in the blood do not meet normal values. The recommended cholesterol values are:
- Total cholesterol below 5 mmol/l
- LDL (bad cholesterol) below 2.6 mmol/l
- HDL (good cholesterol) above 1 mmol/l
- Triglycerides below 1.7 mmol/l
These target values do not apply to individuals with accompanying cardiovascular diseases—here, the target for bad cholesterol is even lower. It’s also important to consider the HDL to LDL cholesterol ratio, which should be 1:2.5. It’s worth noting that antioxidants effectively help raise good cholesterol. Therefore, choose a supplement that contains not only red rice but also antioxidants.
When Should Red Rice Supplement Be Taken?
Timing is very important when taking a red rice supplement. Since cholesterol production mainly occurs in the liver at night, the red rice supplement should be taken in the evening after your last meal to achieve the maximum benefit.
How Should Red Rice Supplement Be Taken?
Always take the red rice supplement with a glass of water. Fruit juices (especially grapefruit juice), carbonated drinks, alcohol, hot tea, or coffee may reduce the expected effect of the red rice supplement.
How Long Should Red Rice Supplement Be Taken?
To maintain cholesterol control, it is necessary to strictly monitor not only lifestyle but also the use of medications. The treatment with red rice supplements is generally lifelong, as it only works as long as you continue taking it. The longer you live with normal cholesterol levels, the higher the quality and longer your life will be.
When Is Red Rice Supplement Contraindicated?
Clinical studies have shown significant effectiveness and safety of red rice supplements. To avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications, it is recommended to consult your doctor before use. Red rice supplements may be contraindicated in certain medications and health conditions, such as:
- Statins – Red rice supplements may enhance the effect of statins. If your doctor has prescribed statins, follow their recommendations closely.
- Liver or kidney damage – Red rice may put additional strain on the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is not advisable to use red rice supplements if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or elevated liver enzymes in the blood.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – There is insufficient data on the safety of red rice use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If needed, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor.
- Under 18 years old – There is insufficient data on the safety of red rice use for individuals under 18. If necessary, a doctor should prescribe treatment.
- Gastrointestinal disorders – Red rice supplements may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid red rice supplements if you have digestive disorders such as gastritis, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Recommendations for More Effective Red Rice Supplementation
Red rice supplements are one way to lower and maintain cholesterol levels, but they do not replace a balanced diet. Healthy eating and physical activity are equally important factors for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
A proper diet is the foundation of good health. Here are some tips on how to achieve better results when using red rice supplements to lower cholesterol levels:
- To reduce cardiovascular risk, it is recommended to follow a Mediterranean (or similar) diet.
- Prefer more plant-based foods and fewer animal-based foods.
- Consume 200 g of fruits and 200 g of vegetables daily.
- Consume 30–45 g of fiber daily, preferably from whole grains.
- Consume fatty fish 1–2 times a week.
- Consume 30 g of unsalted nuts every day.
- Limit the consumption of sugary drinks.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
Milline on parim punase riisi preparaat?
Apteekides on saada mitmeid erinevaid punase riisi preparaate – punase riisi tabletid ja punase riisi kapslid. Tähelepanu tasub pöörata toote taga olevale koostisosadele. Parim punase riisi preparaat ehk punase riisi retsept vastab kolmele olulisele kriteeriumile:
- Sisaldab maksimaalset lubatud annust Monakoliin K ehk 2,99 mg
- Sisaldab antioksüdante
- On tsitriniinivaba koostisega (mürkaine vaba)
Tarvita punase riisi preparaati targalt ja ole terve!
