6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Rice Bran Oil

Rice is staple food for more than half of world’s population. It is believed to have originated about 7000 years ago in Eastern Asia in China and India. From here it spread to Japan, Iran, Indonesia and other parts of Asia and Mediterranean around 800 BC. Rice Bran Oil has been in use across the countries of Asia for more than 2000 years. India is the second largest producer of rice in the world with production of more than 100 million tonnes in 2014. The rice bran oil production stands at 0.98 million tonnes and India is a leading producer of this oil in the world. The state of West Bengal is a leading producer of the oil, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This testifies its importance and benefits for health it provides.

Rice Bran Oil (also called as RBO) is made from the bran of rice. Rice bran is the brown outer covering of the rice grain and is rich in fiber, essential fatty acids, proteins, starch, vitamins and essential minerals.

# RBO is good for health of heart

It contains more unsaturated fatty acids than saturated, as is mentioned above. This means that bad cholesterol will not develop.

It contains oryzanol and a concentrated fraction of vitamin E called tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) which is known to reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) from arteries. Also, there is overall reduction in total cholesterol levels.

Studies on rats have shown that diets having rich TRF content were able to reduce LDL in rats from 40-60%. Clinical studies from India, Japan and USA have confirmed these results.

It is said that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol, there was a 2% decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. Both WHO and American Heart Association recommend use of rice bran oil for reducing cholesterol levels.

# Helps against occurrence of Cancer

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and an anti-mutagenic in nature which is helpful in preventing cancer.

It was found that Tocotrienol Rich Fraction (TRF) present in oil was helpful in boosting activity of liver enzymes that helps in clearing toxin from liver much more efficiently. This reduces chances of liver cancer.

# Helps in weight loss

Besides being high in fibre component, the high viscosity of the oil ensures that the food absorbs no more than 20% of the oil, thereby reducing the caloric intake. Also, when consumed, it tends to increase the metabolic rate, which helps in reduction of body fat.

# Helps regulates blood sugar

Rice Bran Oil due to the presence of anti-hyperglycemic bio active compounds like tocopherols, tocotrienols, γ-oryzanol and unsaturated fatty acids. has proven good in reducing insulin resistance, which means that it improves the ability of body to control blood sugar levels in body.

# Reduces swelling and pain

Compounds present in rice bran oil, such as oleic acids (particularly Omega 9) and alpha-linoleic acid are anti-inflammatory in nature and help in reducing pain and stiffness.

# Good for skin and hair

Rice Bran Oil penetrates well into the skin and does not stick to it. Therefore, it is known to be a good carrier oil which takes the nutrients into the skin. For this reason, it is called as a Rice Bran Carrier Oil, which is known for its ability to cleanse, soften, soothe, moisturise and nourish skin and hair.

Omega 9 fatty aid present in oil helps to slow down ageing (wrinkles), clears out the complexion and skin blemishes. It also helps in thick, long and shiny hair growth and removes dandruff.

Omega 6 fatty acid (Linoleic) helps in moisturising hair and skin and helps in its retention. It prevent acne, helps to heal wound on skin and shows anti-inflammation properties.