It's time to make lowering your cholesterol a PRIORITY!
Over the past year I have been looking at healthy, natural ways of lowering cholesterol, which is the leading cause of Cardiovascular Disease. I was surprised to come across a natural product called, red yeast rice. I am sure you have heard of statins, right? Well, red yeast rice produces a significant amount of monacolin K, which is identical, chemically, to the active ingredients of these manufactured drugs. So, why is there not a push or promotion to consume this natural product vs. a prescribed medication? I will let you decide the answer for yourself.
Rationale for Change
In my review of literature, I came across a meta-analysis of 13 randomized, placebo-controlled trials containing 804 participants that concluded that red yeast rice is effective and relatively safe approach for dyslipidemia. (1) Dyslipidemia is the abnormal levels of lipids, cholesterols, in the blood. This condition leads to all kinds of predispositions to certain medical conditions, such as, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), stroke (interruption of blood supply to the brain), cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease and heart attack) and a number of cancers. (2, 3) I would even argue, based on more recent research, which suggests that high cholesterol adds to susceptibility to viral disease and mortality from complications of viral disease. This being said it is adamant and of high priority, especially in light of the disproportionate mortality rate of patients infected with COVID-19 and comorbidities such as obesity and heart disease, that we pay attention to our cholesterol levels. (4, 5)
Natural Products
Many products out there promise the benefit of lowering cholesterol through the use of red yeast rice products. I would suggest that in your selection, especially if you are not currently taking a statin medication, that you do your research to make sure that the product, also has liver protection, such as those that cleanse and protect the liver, as monocol K, and many of these medications cause liver damage in some people. Take a look at CHOLESLO*, a product I have been reviewing and researching, and see if it is a good fit for you. Leave a review and let me know your thoughts. I want to hear from you!
Stay Healthy and Stay Safe,
Chandra Nicole
* As with all information, products & services, results are not guaranteed and will vary from one individual to another. It’s unknown if the presence of an ingredient will impede the efficiency of another. Please consult with your doctor. Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
1. Li Y, Jiang L, Jia Z, Xin W, Yang S, et al. (2014) A Meta-Analysis of Red Yeast Rice: An Effective and Relatively Safe Alternative Approach for Dyslipidemia. PLoS ONE 9(6): e98611. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0098611
2. Lin CJ, Lai CK, Kao MC, et al. Impact of cholesterol on disease progression. Biomedicine (Taipei). 2015;5(2):7. doi:10.7603/s40681-015-0007-8
3. Andersen CJ. Impact of Dietary Cholesterol on the Pathophysiology of Infectious and Autoimmune Disease. Nutrients. 2018;10(6):764. Published 2018 Jun 13. doi:10.3390/nu10060764
4. Radenkovic D, Chawla S, Pirro M, Sahebkar A, Banach M. Cholesterol in Relation to COVID-19: Should We Care about It?. J Clin Med. 2020;9(6):E1909. Published 2020 Jun 18. doi:10.3390/jcm9061909
5. Xie Y, You Q, Wu C, et al. Impact of Cardiovascular Disease on Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 13]. Circ J. 2020;10.1253/circj.CJ-20-0348. doi:10.1253/circj.CJ-20-0348