A small red supplement priced at a mere 24p could help lower “bad” cholesterol levels, according to research. A study suggests that this inexpensive pill might yield results comparable to statins, which are commonly prescribed medications in the UK for lowering cholesterol.
High cholesterol involves an excess of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in the bloodstream, which can cause vessel blockages and lead to severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. However, there are measures to both prevent and decrease high cholesterol levels.
An article from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) recommended red yeast rice extract as a potential solution. Red yeast rice is a fermented rice with a distinctive reddish hue, often used to add colour to various Chinese dishes such as pickled tofu. It’s also available as a supplement in capsule form from health stores.
“Red yeast rice extract comes from fermentation of a type of yeast found in rice and is sold as a supplement,” the BHF said. “It contains an ingredient called monacolin K, which may lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and is already an ingredient in a statin called lovastatin.”
This claim is supported by a scientific review of 20 trials published in the journal Atherosclerosis in 2015, which indicated that individuals taking red yeast rice experienced a reduction in “bad” cholesterol levels similar to those on a statin regimen. The study highlighted the potential cholesterol-lowering benefits of red yeast rice, noting that it could “significantly” reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
The research stated: “Red yeast rice exerts a clinically and statistically significant reduction of 1.02 mmol/L low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.” Cholesterol in the blood is typically categorized into two types: “good” and “bad.”
LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, leading to a narrowing of the vessels over time. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps lower cholesterol by transporting it back to the liver, which then flushes it from the body.
A total cholesterol level of five millimoles per litre (mmol/l) or less is deemed healthy. However, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has issued a caution regarding red yeast rice supplements. The charity pointed out, “However, unlike statins, the amount of active ingredient in red yeast rice supplements can vary as complementary medicines are not as heavily regulated.
“There is also a lack of research into whether the extract is safe long-term, so it’s not recommended.” For those looking to lower their cholesterol in a safe and sustainable manner, the NHS recommends eating less saturated fat, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
As of the time of writing, a jar containing 90 red yeast rice extract tablets can be purchased online from Cytoplan for £22.40, which equates to approximately 24p per tablet. If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.