Red Yeast Rice Effective In Lowering Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a one of the risk factors for developing heart disease.  Losing weight, exercise, and a diet low in saturated fat can help lower cholesterol, but many people cannot control their cholesterol levels by lifestyle changes alone. As a result, many of these individuals start cholesterol lowering medications, like the statins Lipitor and Zocor.  However, 40% of statin users discontinue their use after one year.  This is because medications can be costly and have adverse side effects; also, may people do not like the idea of being on a drug long-term.  Because of the need to find another way to lower cholesterol, over-the-counter alternatives have become popular.A recent study published in the American Heart Journal found that red yeast rice was effective in lowering cholesterol levels, especially LDL levels. Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine.  It is a substance that has been extracted from rice that has been fermented with a certain type of yeast.  Red yeast rice was especially effective when combined together with lifestyle changes.