Red Yeast Rice: What is it all about?

It looks exactly like rice but you don't see see being thrown into the rice cooker and transformed into a steaming bowl of rice ready for consumption at the dinner table. So...what is this thing? 

Red yeast rice is a type of fermented rice that's made using using a certain species of mold, specifically the Monascus ruber or Monascus purpureus. It has also been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years thanks to its powerful health properties.

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, a compound which can be found in medications meant to lower cholesterol levels such as lovastin - making it a much cheaper alternative for long-term patients. Aside from cholesterol, red yeast rice also helps in controlling blood sugar and stemming the growth of cancer cells. 

Let's take a quick look into the proven benefits of red yeast rice:

• Promotes heart health
  The heart is the most important organ as it is responsible in keeping you alive and transporting oxygen throughout the body. As such, when the heart's arteries become clogged by cholesterol, it will lead to heart attacks and even death. Red yeast rice has been found to lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and blood pressure when combined with medications.
  
  
• Potentially reduces inflammation
  While inflammation is a normal immune response whenever the body is under attack from foreign agents, too much of it can lead to debilitating diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Though research remains limited, there's substantial evidence to suggest that red yeast rice has the ability to reduce inflammation in the long run. 

However, like most supplements, red yeast rice comes with its own set of side effects as well. Some have reported experiencing bloating, gas, and stomach pain after consuming it. In extreme cases, though rare, it may also lead to allergic reactions, muscle complications, and liver toxicity. Pregnant and lactating women are not encouraged to take red yeast rice as there isn't enough research to prove that it's safe for them.