Rice Bran Oil Benefits
Rice Bran Oil has been awarded as the healthiest oil in the world. It provides us with an array of health benefits over normal vegetable oils. It is extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice.
The oil was first introduced for edible purpose. It has been made commercially available in the United States by RITO (1994). It has a very appealing nut-like flavor and has a very good fry-life. The constitution of rice bran oil is very similar to that of peanut oil, but it is much healthier than that.
Why Rice Barn oil
It is usually used chiefly in Asian, Japanese, and Chinese countries. Now, this oil has become much more popular in other countries as well, due to the low price and high availability. In addition, this oil has many health boons, which have scored up its popularity. The most remarkable feature of the oil is the high content of components gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols, with high nutraceutical (nutritional) value. The nutraceutical comparison of rice bran oil with the other competitors as follows, the differences are obvious:
Rice bran oil Nutritional Facts
Nutritional data for Rice bran oil measuring 10 ml
| Calories (only from fat) | 88 |
| Total Fat | 10 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Trans Fat | Nil |
| Cholesterol | Nil |
| Sodium | Nil |
| Total Carbohydrate | Nil |
| Dietary Fiber | Nil |
| Sugar | Nil |
| Protein | Nil |
| Vitamin E | 3.2 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.5 mcg |
Where to Use Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil has wide applications. Few of them are enlisted here:
Cooking
Rice bran oil can be used for cooking variety of dishes, it is most popularly used in stir frying, deep frying, making variety of snacks and margarine.
Pet Health Supplements
It has also been found that rice bran oil has a potential benefit of being included in pet diets. The following are the potential improvements by including the oil in animal diets:
- Rice bran oil has several antioxidant properties.
- It accelerates muscle development and growth.
- It improves cardiovascular health in animals by reducing harmful LDL cholesterol.
- It increases the stamina and physical performance in animals. It is hence very beneficial for athletic animals.
- Rice bran oil is said to inhibit UV rays during sun over exposure. Thus, many side effects are reduced.
- It renders protection to the animal coats.
- Minor class of compounds in rice bran oil is said to exhibit anti cancer activities and reduce the chances of cancer in a pet.
- It has a good proportion of fatty acids important of animal health.
Rice Bran Oil Benefits
The health benefits of rice bran oil have made it the most sought after kitchen counter product. The following are a few:
Cholesterol control
The WHO has defined rice bran oil has the best components of saturated fats in comparison to the other counterpart oils. The presence of balanced fatty acids can effectively reduce cholesterol. It reduces the fat deposition around the cardiac vessels and atherosclerosis, which further reduces the potentialities of suffering from cardiac arrests and strokes.
Premature Aging
Rice bran oil has a high content of Vitamin E and it is known to impact premature aging. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is also renowned factor in reducing cancer in humans. Tocopherol increases cellular regeneration, reduces wrinkles, protect from sun burn and prevent free radicals and oxidants from attacking the skin. Also the oil improves the skin quality.
Menopausal Issues
Women who include rice bran oil in diet during menopause have reduced complaints of hot flashes and other bothersome symptoms of menopause.
Allergic Reactions
Rice bran oil has a unique component called the hypoallergenic. It means when you have rice bran oil, it will not cause any allergic reaction and will also calm down the allergic reactions in your body.
Weight loss
The oil, in spite of having high calories and fat constituents, has the ability of controlling weight gain. Owing to its viscosity, the oil is not absorbed by food prepared in it. However, the health benefits and the flavor will be retained in the food reducing the calorific value of the food.
A Word of Caution
Due to the high amount of calories, it is advisable to use the oil in moderation and only when needed.
Side effects of Rice Bran Oil
Some people experience following adverse effects after regular consumption of rice bran oil. However, these symptoms, appear after consumption, are not very serious, but they can cause some discomfort.
- Gas or flatulence
- Stomach discomfort
To avoid these symptoms, one can use other oil or olive oil mixed with rice bran oil.
