The Lowdown on Red Yeast Rice
If you’re into heart health, you might already be familiar with cholesterol-supporting supplements like fish oil or CoQ10—but have you ever heard of Red Yeast Rice? This powerhouse supplement has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is now gaining traction as a natural way to support healthy cholesterol levels. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is Red Yeast Rice?
Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is a fermented product made by culturing rice with Monascus purpureus, a specific strain of yeast. The result? A natural compound that contains monacolins, the most notable being monacolin K, which is structurally similar to some statin medications used to manage cholesterol levels. (1)
Why Consider Adding Red Yeast Rice to Your Routine?
- Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Studies suggest that the monacolins in RYR can help maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels already within a normal range. One meta-analysis found that supplementing with Red Yeast Rice significantly lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 39 mg/dL. (2) If you’re looking for a natural way to support heart health, this could be a great option. - Backed by Science & Traditional Use
While modern research is still evolving, Red Yeast Rice has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to promote circulation and digestion. Today, high-quality supplements like Thorne’s Choleast™ offer a well-researched, purified version of this ancient remedy. (3) - A Natural Alternative
Many people turn to Red Yeast Rice as a more natural approach to managing cholesterol. However, keep in mind that because it contains naturally occurring statins, it should be taken with guidance from a healthcare professional, especially if you’re on cholesterol-lowering medications. (4)
Choosing a High-Quality Supplement
Not all Red Yeast Rice supplements are created equal. Thorne’s Choleast™ stands out because it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is free from citrinin, a potentially harmful byproduct of the fermentation process. When choosing supplements, quality and purity matter—and Thorne delivers on both. (5)
How to Get 25% Off Red Yeast Rice
- If you’re interested in trying Thorne’s Choleast™ or Red Yeast Rice, you can get 25% off for life when you order through our exclusive partnership link: apexpwr.com/thorne/. This discount applies to Red Yeast Rice and other top-tier Thorne supplements!
Final Thoughts
Red Yeast Rice is an exciting, natural way to support heart health, but it’s essential to use a trusted, well-researched product. Whether you’re looking to balance cholesterol or simply expand your supplement knowledge, RYR is definitely worth considering.
As always, we’re here to help you navigate your health journey! Have questions? Just reply to this email, and our team at APEX PWR will be happy to chat.
Sources:
(1) Patel, S. (2016). Functional and bioactive properties of red yeast rice. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 53(3), 1313-1321.
(2) Liu, J., Zhang, J., Shi, Y., Grimsgaard, S., Alraek, T., & Fønnebø, V. (2006). Chinese red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) for primary hyperlipidemia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Chinese Medicine, 1(4).
(3) Heber, D., Yip, I., Ashley, J. M., Elashoff, D. A., Elashoff, R. M., & Go, V. L. (1999). Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(2), 231-236.
(4) Prasad, G. V. (2002). Red yeast rice: Understanding its benefits and risks. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 166(4), 447-450.
(5) Thorne. “Red Yeast Rice: Benefits, Side Effects, & Use Cases.” Take 5 Daily.
Previous Blogs
Why Success Starts with a Plan – And How to Apply It to Your Nutrition
Why Success Starts with a Plan – And How to Apply It to Your Nutrition The Power of a Plan for Nutrition Success Think about the biggest achievements in life. You don’t accidentally save for retirement. You make a plan, set a budget, and stay consistent.You don’t spontaneously end up on a dream vacation. You
Expert Soccer Injury Rehab in Tigard & Beaverton, OR: Returning to Play After Knee Surgery
Expert Soccer Injury Rehab in Tigard & Beaverton, OR: Returning to Play After Knee Surgery At APEX PWR, we understand the challenges soccer athletes face when returning to play after knee surgery. Our sports physical therapy team in Tigard and Beaverton, OR is dedicated to guiding male and female soccer players—from youth to professional levels—through
Load Management for Runners in Tigard, Oregon: The Key to Injury Prevention
Load Management for Runners in Tigard, Oregon: The Key to Injury Prevention If you’re a runner in Tigard, Oregon, or the greater Portland and Beaverton areas, you’ve likely heard about the importance of progressing running volume gradually to prevent injuries. You’ve likely heard about the 10% rule. In reality, 10% is likely too much too