This food staple is great for your heart health: Expert

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It’s a rice that’s nice for your health.

Red yeast rice won’t go down as the most popular variety on earth, but it’s one that health experts say should be on your radar.

“Red yeast rice is a brightly coloured compound used in food and health products that is made by fermenting rice with a special type of yeast known as Monascus purpureus,” Amanda Frick, vice-president medical affairs at Thorne, said, per the New York Post.

“Red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese and Western botanical medicine to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support blood circulation.”

According to research, the crimson product contains naturally occurring compounds that can help keep total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides — the most common type of fat in the body — at optimal levels.

The rice variety also contains other compounds such as phytosterols betasitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and isoflavones that can help keep your heart running smoothly.

The magic element has less to do with what’s in it as it does with what’s on it.

“Red yeast rice does get a lot more attention for its health benefits than your everyday white or brown rice. The ‘magic’ of red yeast rice isn’t actually in the rice itself — it’s in what’s grown on it,” Frick said.

“While white and brown rice provide a source of carbohydrates and fibre (depending on the rice type), they do not contain the additional nutrients like sterols and antioxidants that are found in red yeast rice.”

While referred to as a rice, it’s actually more commonly found in powdered form or as a supplement, or in some fermented foods.

“There are foods like fermented tofu, red rice vinegar and Japanese rice wine (sake) that include red yeast rice,” Frick said.

“Depending on the specific use in traditional Chinese medicine, it may be best prepared with other food ingredients or at a particular temperature.

“For uses in botanical medicine, it’s often preferred to offer in a supplement form for consistent delivery of the bioactive compounds in red yeast rice.”

The side effects tend to be relatively mild — gas, tummy troubles, headache and reddish poop — but red yeast rice isn’t for everyone.

“As with any new dietary supplement, it’s important to discuss starting red yeast rice with your health professional, who can determine if this is the right option for you, your lifestyle and your overall wellness plan,” she said.

“Women who are trying to become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t take red yeast rice. Those who have kidney or liver disease also shouldn’t take it. Additionally, it may interact with certain medications, supplements, alcohol and grapefruit.”

One potential red flag is contamination. Some red yeast supplements can contain citrinin — a toxic byproduct of the fermentation process that can damage kidneys or liver.