The main Asian food great for heart health – ‘magic’ is actually what has grown up in it, the expert says

Rice, rice, children.

Not everyone knows you get a whole world that lies beyond white or coffee on offer at your Chinese bar.

But there is a particularly healthy variety that has managed to fly widely under the radar on this side of the basin.

“Red yeast is a glowing composition used in food and health products that is made by fermenting rice with a special type of yeast known as Monascus purpureus,” Dr. Amanda Frick, VP Medicals in Thorne, for The Post.

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

Research has shown that this reddish product contains compounds that occur naturally can help maintain total cholesterol and LDL – as well as triglycerides, which are the most common type of fat in the body – at optimal levels.

It also contains a bunch of other, useless-like compounds are beta-assosterol, crampesterol, and stigmasterol, and isoplavones-that can help keep your nickname well.

But the real secret sauce is not what is in it as much as in it.

“Getting red yeast receives much more attention to its health benefits than your daily white or brown rice. The ‘magic’ of the red peaks is not actually in the rice itself -”

“While white and brown rice provides a source of carbohydrates and fibers, they do not contain additional nutrients such as sterols and antioxidants found in red yeast rice.”

While it is a rice, it is most often found in powder form or as an addition – or in some fermented foods.

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

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

“For uses in botanical medicine, it is often preferred to be offered in an additional form for continuous distribution of bioactive compounds in red peaks.”

While the side effects tend to be relatively soft – think of gas, abdominal problems, headaches and reddish pit – red yeast rice is not for everyone.

“As with any new dietary supplement, it is important to discuss red yeast with your health professional, which can determine if this is the right option for you, your lifestyle and your general Wellness plan,” she said.

“Women who are trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take red yeast rice. Those who have direct kidneys or sadness should also not take it.

Another red flag: pollution. Some red yeast rice supplements may contain citrinine – a toxic by -product of the fermentation process that can damage your kidneys or live.

Red yeast rice may not be magic-but when done properly and thoughtfully used, it can be a powerful addition to your heart health tool.