The Power Of Red Yeast Rice

In our current society, we often like things ready-done; at times, this is necessary and efficient, but when it comes to our health, not so much. Our health is our most extraordinary form of wealth; did you know that the original, mid- 13th-century definition of wealth was – “happiness” from Middle English wele "well-being"? If we do not have health, we cannot enjoy material wealth.

“Red yeast rice, when combined with fish oil and lifestyle changes, was as effective as a moderate dose of simvastatin in lowering LDL-C levels.”

My goal in this life is to become an integrative cardiologist. Today’s reading is about the cardiovascular benefits of red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus), especially for high cholesterol, high LDL-C, and triglycerides. (Click here to learn more about cholesterol and cardiovascular health and disease)

When a patient presents to their physician with an elevated cholesterol level >200, LDL-C >70 mg/dL (milligram per deciliter), a statin is to be prescribed according to the AHA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. However, many recipients do not tolerate statins well, and most physicians start on the highest dosage, leading to an increased incidence of adverse effects; and they’re not pretty. But after doing some research, I discovered that red yeast rice (Monacus purpureus) is just as effective as a statin according to a 2017 publication in the journal of Pharmacognosy by Nwokocha and Liwa, “Red yeast rice, when combined with fish oil and lifestyle changes, was as effective as a moderate dose of simvastatin in lowering LDL-C levels. 

Jumping straight to pharmaceuticals is not always the best way to go. Yes, statins may get the job done at lowering cholesterol but at the cost of other organs, the brain (Do Statins Increase or Decrease Alzheimer’s Risk?), liver, and muscles.

One of the Naturopathic principles is, The Healing Power of Nature; I believe that nature has provided everything we need to heal any illness we encounter.

Statins are originally derived from fungi, first isolated in the fungus Penicillium citrinum. However, the same isolated compound is found in various foods. SO why jump to prescription medication with associated side effects than to educate patients on preventing disease? I found the answer, and it isn’t pretty … because preventative medicine is NOT profitable.

Unfortunately, the healthcare system of conventional medicine is owned by the insurance company and Big-pharma. Disclaimer – I do not believe that all medications are wrong; I don’t like the over-prescription of drugs without first educating patients on holistic, preventative options.

Side note: a few years ago, I worked as an RN in one of the largest cardiology practices in Chicago for a fantastic cardiologist, who said, “if I do not prescribe or adjust a medication, I cannot bill at the highest rate.” At that moment, I realized that physicians are incentivized by pharma and the insurance company to prescribe medications, and I sought to research holistic, integrative cardiology.

Education is a great strength; in the words of Edward James Olmos, “Education is the vaccine of violence.” – the violence of the pharmaceutical and insurance companies. I am here to educate you on your health options. Prescriptive Medications are not the only way.  

So, if you are a person or know of anyone who has hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol in the blood) and wish to lower your cholesterol without taking a prescription statin, then consider the option of consuming red yeast rice, plant sterols, fish oils, and reduce your high fructose corn syrup intake (why HFCS is wrong?), and exercise at least 60min/week.

Looking for a health coach or information on how to better your health with or without medications? Send me an email.