The Efficacy and Function of Red Yeast Rice
Generally speaking, red yeast rice has various functions and benefits, including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, invigorating the spleen to improve digestion, lowering blood lipids, antioxidant effects, and inhibiting bacterial growth. Details are as follows:
1. Promote Blood Circulation and Remove Blood Stasis
Red yeast rice is sweet and warm in nature and has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. It can improve blood circulation, eliminate internal blood stasis, and help relieve conditions such as traumatic injuries and dysmenorrhea. Meanwhile, nutrients in red yeast rice, such as iron and vitamins, can also help replenish blood.
2. Invigorate the Spleen and Improve Digestion
Red yeast rice helps promote gastrointestinal motility and enhances digestive function. It can significantly relieve symptoms such as indigestion, stomach distension, and stomach pain. Additionally, it can be used to treat symptoms like abdominal pain due to stagnation and abdominal fullness caused by food accumulation, thus invigorating the spleen and improving digestion.
3. Lower Blood Lipids
Red yeast rice contains lovastatin, which effectively reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, decreases lipid deposition on blood vessel walls, and thereby prevents cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. This makes red yeast rice an important ingredient for regulating blood lipids and maintaining cardiovascular health.
4. Antioxidant Effects
Red yeast rice is rich in various antioxidant substances that can scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, and thus delay aging. The antioxidant effects also help protect cells from damage and maintain overall health.
5. Antibacterial Effects
Red yeast rice has inhibitory effects on certain bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. It can be used for food preservation to prevent spoilage. Red yeast rice extracts may also have certain therapeutic effects on skin infections. Its ability to inhibit fungal growth may help improve symptoms of fungal skin infections.
Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when using red yeast rice. Excessive use may cause adverse reactions, and not everyone is suitable for consuming red yeast rice. Additionally, it's important to purchase red yeast rice products from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.