Heart health benefits of red yeast rice

A new, large scale study of a natural extract of red yeast rice has hit the media recently having been shown to control cholesterol levels and give significant heart health benefits in those who had previously had a heart attack.

Red yeast rice extract has been recommended for many years by practitioners of complementary and Chinese medicine. Complementary remedies retailer UK-based The Nutri Centre, which offers supplements based on the natural extract, has experienced very positive feedback from users, who do not report any of the side effects associated with conventional statins. One long-term supplement user reported a significant cholesterol lowering effect that impressed even his doctor, the firm said.

Even prior to this latest study, previous extensive research and experience has found the extract in a food supplement to be an effective support for those concerned about reducing high levels of "bad" or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.