Red rice gained its reputation by becoming one of the ingredients to contribute a healthy weight loss. Aside from that, its cholesterol-lowering effect is so valuable that it has become the top prescriptions of nutritionists and doctors to aid in therapeutic diet. You’ll be surprised at the some of the facts about red rice as we give you the 5 things you need to know about how red rice can lower cholesterol.

1. This rice is actually a product of yeast.

Red rice is a product of yeast called Monascus Purpureus. These organisms are grown on rice which are responsible for its dark-red color. In fact, this kind of yeasts are cultivated and extracted to make a product known to lessen cholesterol in the body.

2. This is a natural alternative to cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Due to the action of Monascus Purpureus, red rice is also known to be a perfect alternative to treat health conditions related to cholesterol. It is now prescribed by doctors to be a good remedy for mild symptoms of high-cholesterol problems, as a natural alternative to medicines. If you are one of the people who would like to opt for this natural medicine, visit your physician for more details. There are certain safety precautions in its alternative usage because it may interact with other drugs and substances.

3. The proven effects to avoid muscle pains.

In recent studies, it has been found out that the red rice actually reduce risks of muscle pains, medically known as myalgia. This symptom usually is experienced by patients who take medications to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). According to the study, patients who are taking this type of medication experience lower incidence of myalgia when replaced with red rice.

4. Amazing benefits to gastric problems.

The use of red rice has been around in ancient times where China discovered its potent benefits to health. Red rice has mild healing benefits to many gastric problems including diarrhea and indigestion. Other benefits include improved spleen function, increase blood circulation, good digestion and absorption.

5. Red rice cholesterol has its own method for weight management.

Since it aids in lowering levels of cholesterol, it goes to say that red rice is also a good aid to lose weight. With its natural nutrients and fiber, more toxins are washed out while it continues to help the body attain a regular bowel movement.

These are the top 5 things you should know about how red rice can lower cholesterol. Among these benefits, there is always one that fits the body’s needs. With its holistic way in taking care of the body, it is no wonder why this ingredient has been creating buzz in the wellness industry. Although these are said to be natural and effective, there are also safety issues that go along with it. In fact, health professionals warn people to take extra precaution in using these products as they contain potent substances that may be detrimental to one’s overall health. To be safe than sorry, be sure to get an approval of your doctor before incorporating red rice to your lifestyle.

What you should know about probiotics

You might be surprised to learn that how you feel and even look every day is tied to your intestines. To maintain good health, your intestines must properly absorb nutrients and help eliminate waste and toxins.

Your intestines, which lie between the stomach and rectum, are part of the Gl tract or digestive system. In the small and large intestines, food is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream, providing your celts and organs with the energy they need to function. Your intestines do this with the help of good bacteria (also called microflora).

These “good bacteria” aid digestion, promote vital nutrient production, maintain pH (acid-base) balance, and prevent proliferation of unwelcome bacteria. From the time of birth your body is inhabited by these good bacteria. Changes in diet, stress and aging and other factors can disrupt this delicate balance.

Lack of good bacteria can lead to:

• Digestion issues
• Poor bowel function and flatulence
• A weakened immune system
• Poor nutrient absorption
• Low level of energy and well-being

Lack of good bacteria is so common that many health professionals recommend the use of probiotic supplements. Probiotics are good bacteria strains that limit the proliferation of unwelcome bacteria in the intestinal tract by crowding them out.

In the first decade of the twentieth century a Russian scientist, Elie Metchnikoff, suggested that the long lives of Bulgarian peasants might be a result of their consumption or fermented microorganisms which positively influenced the microflora of the colon. This discovery, together with his work in immunology, earned him the 1908 Nobel Prize for Medicine. 1 his event raised considerable interest in the study of benefits of microorganisms to humans. In 1974 the term “Probiotic” (pro – for; bio = life) was coined to describe the use of beneficial bacteria to positively influence health.

Today the scientific field agrees that probiotics offer a broad range of health benefits when taken in sufficient numbers.

Restoring the balance

Because we are conditioned think of bacteria as trouble-makers, it’s hard to accept that we may actually have too few of these organisms in our digestive system. Yet that is actually quite common. And when it happens, our bodies let us know with occasional sluggishness, irregularity, bloating, or a weaker immune system.

There is a synergistic relationship between good bacteria and our body: we provide them with a safe place to live and grow, and they help us digest, absorb our food, eliminate and maintain a healthy intestinal function. It works very well… as long as there are enough of them.

Strain specificity

However, not all probiotic bacteria are identical. They differ on the basis of genus, species and strain and results. Also it has been shown that organisms must both live and colonize within the gut to induce beneficial effects. Unfortunately a lot of probiotics don’t even reach the intestine and hence offer no benefits.

Viability

Probiotics are fragile live bacteria. Probiotic cultures vary and the benefit of a probiotic is not measured simply by the number of living bacteria in a pill. The beneficial effects of the presence of probiotics in the gastro-intestinal tract depend on their viability — the ability of the bacteria to survive and colonize.

In the U.S. many probiotic products arc supported by poor research, are poorly formulated, and suffer from poor quality control. Most products list bacterial genera and species but make no mention of the viability of the bacteria. Acidophilus, for instance, has only -A 53% viability, which means that only half of the bacteria you take will be able to survive.