Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice which is an Asian dietary staple made by fermenting red yeast (Monascus purpureus) on rice, has gained recognition for its cholesterol-lowering agent especially in the United States. The careful fermentation process has produced specific amounts of statins which a compound that is considered responsible for the lowering of cholesterol levels. In 2001, red yeast rice extract, was withdrawn by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). This is due to the fact that the chemical found in red yeast rice was too similar to the prescription statin medication Mevacor which prompted them to classify it as a ‘drug’ which is strictly controlled by the federal government. Due to this, red yeast rice was pulled out from retail stores. If red yeast rice returns to the health-food stores in the future, it will probably be used upon doctor’s prescription.

Red yeast rice has a number of heart-healthy benefits. It helps reduce total cholesterol levels and lower levels of LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and increases levels of HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. It also lower levels of unhealthy fats called triglycerides. It accomplishes this seeming feat by limiting the liver’s production of cholesterol. Mevinolin which is one of the main components of red yeast rice has similar chemical components to the cholesterol-lowering compound called lovastatin which sold as a prescription drug Mevacor. Mevinolin is also similar in active ingredients found in other cholesterol medications such as Zocor (sinvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin). The unsaturated fatty acids found in red yeast rice extract are also believed to have positive effects especially in lowering triglycerides. Red yeast rice will effectively curb heart-disease and the complications due to its capacity to lower cholesterol concentrations. Persons with moderate cholesterol levels of 200 to 2239 mg/dl may have positive effects when using dietary supplement such as red yeast rice extract. Those with high cholesterol levels of 2240 mg/dl or above have a much larger risk in developing heart disease and should use prescription drugs that have undergone clinical trials to lower cholesterol levels.

In order to achieve a healthy cholesterol level, you should take substances that are good for the heart such as red yeast rice extract and include exercise and low-fat diet that is high in soluble fiber as part of the total treatment. A marked difference can be observed in people who include lifestyles measures to the cholesterol-lowering extract.

Red yeast rice could have the same effect as the prescription statin drug. It could cause mild gastrointestinal upset and possible changes in liver enzymes or a muscle condition rhabdomyolysis. Red yeast rice is relatively safe but should not be taken with prescription statin or you may end you taking double the dose of cholesterol-lowering medications. But you can safely combined niacin supplements for additional cholesterol-lowering effects.

Do the following necessary precaution before taking red yeast rice:

* Always consult your doctor before taking red yeast rice especially if you have high cholesterol or heart disease.
* Eat food when taking red yeast rice extract to reduce digestive upset.
* Red yeast rice side effects are mild and quickly go away once you stop taking it. These include: headache, dizziness, heartburn, gas and digestive tract discomfort.
* Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks or two cups of grapefruit juice while taking red yeast rice.
* Don’t take red yeast rice if you are under 20 years old.

Raspberry

Raspberry may be a delicate and quite expensive fruit but their nutritional value and fiber content makes them desirable herbal medicine. Some of the fiber in raspberry fruit is soluble fiber with pectin which lowers cholesterol. The phytochemical of raspberry is comprised of cancer-fighters such as beta-carotene, ellagic acid, catechins and monoterpenes. The fruit is a good source of Vitamin C also. Raspberry has long been used as a household remedy. This practice has been going on for centuries now. The green leaves of raspberry shrub (Rubus idaeus) in dried and fresh forms has been used for year by traditional healers due to its therapeutic value particularly the astringent tannins and other key nutrients. The most popular raspberry variety is red. But there are other varieties too such as yellow, apricot, amber and purple (or ‘black’) which are all similar in flavor and texture.

Raspberry varieties are available from midsummer to late summer in Northeastern United States. From California, raspberry fruits are sold from June through October. Raspberry is one of the most perishable fruits there is. It can turn soft and moldy within 24 hours. Once it reaches the market, it has a shelf life of a day or two. You can freeze berries to increase their shelf life. Just rinse and drain raspberries using the sink sprayer so as to prevent the strong flow of water to bruise them. Spread in a single layer in a cookie sheet and freeze until solidly frozen. Transfer the frozen berries to a heavy plastic bag. They could last for 10 months to a year.

The high tannin content in raspberry leaf tea is considered helpful in treating ailments that cause intestinal inflammation and discomfort such as diarrhea. Tannins decreases swelling by tiny blood vessels call capillaries as a result prevents leaking of fluids in the intestines. The astringent property of the herb is also effective in soothing canker sores and sore throats in the form of raspberry leaf tea mouthwash and gargle. Some herbalists recommend raspberry tea for pregnant women because it is helpful in treating morning sickness and for ‘stabilizing’ the uterus, especially women who have the tendency to miscarriage. But the scientific evidence for the benefits of raspberry during pregnancy is still not sufficient. Clinical studies have yet to confirm its effects on pregnancy.

If you buy raspberry tea in tea bag make sure that the raspberry leaf is the main ingredient. Some teas use raspberry essence. Although these products are tastier, they do not necessarily have much therapeutic value. There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions that are linked with raspberry preparations. If sipped in moderation as a tea, raspberry is relatively safe to use for everyone. Although it’s medicinal value during pregnancy is still subject to more studies.

To treat diarrhea, take 1 cup of raspberry tea up to 6 times a day. Use 1 tablespoon of leaves per cup of hot water and soak for 15 minutes. Or, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid extract to a cup of warm water.

Rhodiola: Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola or Rhodiola rosea is a healing herb that is found in the mountainous regions in Asia and parts of Europe and the Arctic. It is used by traditional healers to counter fatigue and restore energy. Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides once recommended this plant. But it has gain prominence and was constantly associated with Scandinavia and Russia where the Swedish researchers believed that the Vikings regularly used rhodiola. Most of the researches done on Rhodiola rosea were published in Slavic and Scandinavian languages. Recently, American and other Western researchers have begun to explore its effect on the body and its capacity to help in the healing process based on the studies conducted by the Scandinavian countries and the Soviet Union.

Rhodiola’s property as an adpatogen or as endurance enhancers is believed to help the body stay healthy and alert despite the physical exhaustion or environmental stresses such as high heat or pollutants in the air or water. There are currently more than 200 different species of rhodiola. Although several species have been used in traditional healing, R. rosea is the one with the most benefits. The root is the part that has some medicinal value and they refer to R. rosea as the ‘golden root’ or ‘Arctic root.’

Rhodiola rosea has several health benefits. Among these include: used to treat depression and fatigue, it enhances memory and intellectual capacity, increases work performance and endurance and stimulates the nervous system. The adaptogenic characteristics of rhodiola are believed to have brought about these benefits. It seems to have different effects to the body compared to those other adpatogens particularly the Siberian ginseng. It is believed to work by influencing key central nervous system chemicals or neurotransmitters called monoamines. The monoamine imbalance is the factor that could cause hard-to-treat illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Taking rhodiola to normalize monoamine levels may help these ailments.

Other adaptogens on the other hand such as the Siberian ginseng boost the body’s reserves by enhancing the output of stress-fighting hormones from the adrenal glands.

Other benefits derived from rhodiola include the following:

o It increases performance capacity of individuals who are working under stressful conditions.

o It eases chronic fatigue syndrome by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, improving fatty acids metabolism and enhancing energy molecules such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and CP (creatine phosphate).

o It fights fatigue and boosts energy due to the rhodiola’s energy-boosting powers.

o It prevents stress-related illnesses because it boosts resistance to physical stresses.

In order to get the most out of this herbal medication, the following pointers are suggested:

- See to it that the species of rhodiola used in the product must be Rhodiola rosea.

- Buy only rhodiola products from a reputable company.

- The standard amount of rosavin which is an active ingredient used in clinical studies should be 2%.

- Read carefully the product you buy. Rhodiola content could vary from 60mg to 300 mg.

- 10 drops of rhodiola tincture are equal to more or less 100 mg of rhodiola found in a standard herbal capsule.

- Start at a lower dose then gradually increase the amount over the days.

- Take rhodiola at the exact recommended dosage and only for short period. Rhodiola was safely taken from one day to four months.

- Take one or two–week pause in the daily rhodiola regimen for at least every 3 months to give your body a rest. High doses of rhodiola could result in irritability and insomnia.