Red yeast is the microorganism that activates fermentation in red rice which, once fermented, can be used to keep the amount of cholesterol present in the blood vessels under control. The origin of the name is easy to understand: thanks to the red yeast, the rice also takes on this particular color and also changes consistency compared to what we are used to seeing in our kitchens.
Red rice can be commonly used in the kitchen to prepare various dishes, but it can also be taken in the form of a herbal medicine: its active ingredients , extracted and appropriately treated, can in fact be a valid supplement for those with high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Be careful though: its effect adds to that of statins, the medicines commonly used for this type of problem, so if you take these drugs it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Risks linked to high cholesterol and triglycerides
Triglycerides are the major components of our adipose tissue: the fat that the body accumulates as an energy reserve and to protect us from the cold is therefore mainly made up of this element. They therefore perform an important function, at least when they are in the correct quantity: when however they are present in the blood in excessive concentrations they pose a serious risk to the cardiovascular system. Only a small part of triglycerides is produced by the liver, therefore the most conspicuous source of introduction into our body is to be attributed to the diet. High levels of triglycerides, especially if linked to equally high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol, represent an important cardiovascular risk. Correct diet, movement and - if necessary - natural supplements can help keep the problem under control.
If high levels of triglycerides are accompanied by high levels of LDL cholesterol (the so-called "bad" cholesterol), perhaps accompanied by low levels of HDL cholesterol (the so-called "good" cholesterol), the cardiovascular risk rises significantly.
Familiarity, overweight or obesity, excessive consumption of sugars, hypothyroidism, abuse of alcoholic substances, alterations of the liver, pancreas and kidneys, but also some drugs can be the basis of hypertriglyceridemia, therefore the presence of a higher quantity of triglycerides in the blood higher than the optimal one.
Not being able to intervene on causes such as family history or the presence of pathologies, a healthy and active lifestyle and a balanced diet, as well as the limitation or elimination of alcohol, are the first advice for those who want to bring their triglyceride levels back and cholesterol in the optimal range. Maintaining a normal body weight is also of great importance from this point of view.
