All across the world, rice bran oil is popular because of its versatility. People use rice bran oil for various purposes, including cooking, skincare, and hair development. Refined rice bran oil has gained immense popularity as a premium edible oil in Asian countries like India, China, Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan.
Additionally, in Japan, rice bran oil is also called ‘Heart Oil’ whereas, in Western countries, it is a ‘Functional Food’ or ‘Health Food.’ Some people love it because of its neutral taste, adaptability, and high smoke point; others say it’s terrible for you since it’s processed too much and causes inflammation.
Is it safe to use refined rice bran oil? Does skin benefit from using rice bran oil? Furthermore, how exactly does rice bran oil improve one’s health? In this blog, we’ll look at the facts behind this controversial substance.
What is the Refined Rice Bran Oil?
Refined rice bran oil is produced from the outer part of rice. This oil includes removing the oil from the bran and germ part of the rice and refining and filtering the remaining liquid.
The versatile rice bran oil is perfect for high-heat cooking because of its high smoking point and mild flavor. It is also valued for promoting hair growth and enhancing skin hydration, making it the most preferred ingredient in natural hair and skin care products. Widely used globally, it is widespread in Asian and Indian cuisine.
The following is the nutritional composition of rice bran oil per 100 grams, according to the USDA database:
- Energy: 884 kcal
- Lipid: 100 gram
- Fatty acids: 20 gram
- Monounsaturated fatty acids: 39.3 gram
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 35 gram
- Vitamin E: 323.3 mg
Some Mind-Blowing Facts About Rice Bran Oil
- Rice bran oil is very rich in vitamin E, with 100g containing 32.3mg of alpha-tocopherol
- The fatty acid composition of refined rice bran oil is 47% monounsaturated, 33% polyunsaturated, and 20% saturated
- Refined rice bran oil has a high smoke point of 450°F, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking.
- In the United States, rice bran oil is commonly used in the food industry for frying and baking.
- Rice bran oil contains oryzanol, a compound known for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
Health Benefits Of Refined Rice Bran Oil
- Immune System Boost:
One of the standout advantages of using refined rice bran oil is its ability to enhance and fortify the immune system. Scientific research has linked certain powerful antioxidants found in the oil, such as oryzanol, with improved immune functioning. Incorporating rice bran oil into your daily cooking routine can be a proactive measure in strengthening your body’s defenses and warding off infections and illnesses.
- Blood Sugar Regulation:
Regular use of refined rice bran oil has been shown to help diabetics manage their blood sugar. The oil has great potential to improve insulin resistance, regulate glucose levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. The good fats in the oil also regulate blood sugar levels and prevent sudden spikes.
- Heart Health:
Refined rice bran oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in rice bran oil making it a fantastic option. These heart-friendly fats can gradually improve cardiovascular health. This ultimately helps lower the risk of heart disease and reduces inflammation and LDL cholesterol levels (“bad cholesterol”).
- Rich Source of Antioxidants:
Refined rice bran oil has many antioxidants like tocopherols, phytosterols, gamma-oryzanol, and tocotrienols. These antioxidants significantly contribute to helping protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases and premature aging, by combating damage from free radicals.
- Nourishing Skin Health:
Refined rice bran oil is beneficial to skin health since it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Regular use can lead to healthy, supple skin by safeguarding the skin from damaging free radicals and environmental contaminants. A more even tone and a more youthful appearance can be achieved by using it to treat hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and eczema.
- Kidney Stone Prevention:
Lowering the body’s calcium absorption can reduce the chance of painful kidney stones by including refined rice bran oil in your daily diet. Rice bran oil is a natural and preventative method for managing kidney stones since it aids in keeping calcium levels within the ideal range, which is good for the kidneys and less likely to cause stone development.
- Boosts Hair Health:
If you want shiny, healthy hair, try using rice bran oil. The oil can prevent hair from greying too soon because of its inositol, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acid content, which also helps with dandruff and broken ends. It helps nourish the hair follicles, and the hair shaft is strengthened, resulting in thick, lustrous, and manageable locks.
- Menopause Support:
Rice bran oil may help ease gas and hot flashes in menopausal women. The y-oryzanol in the oil can help manage hot flashes. On the other hand, the phytochemicals support hormone balance. It also helps reduce mood swings and promote better health during this life stage
- Fights Bad Breath:
If you suffer from bad breath, try oil pulling with rice bran oil. The antibacterial properties of the oil’s antioxidants are thought to promote good dental hygiene and remove bad breath by killing off bacteria in the mouth.
Uses of Rice Bran Oil
Edible rice bran oil is a common ingredient in ghee made from vegetables. As an alternative to carnauba wax, rice bran wax is typically produced from rice bran oil and palpanese extract and used in cosmetics, candies, shoe lotions, and polishing compounds. The health benefits of rice bran oil, which include lowering cholesterol and protecting against cancer, make it a popular nutritional supplement.
Losing weight and keeping it off are two additional benefits. In addition to helping with menstruation issues, supporting liver health, and acting as an antioxidant, rice bran oil has many other uses. Soap and candle manufacturers also utilize rice bran oil as a primary ingredient.
Rice Bran Oil Side Effects
While rice bran oil has many health advantages, consuming too much can cause some adverse effects. These effects include
Stomach Issues:
Rice bran oil has fiber that can help your stomach work well, making digestion easier and keeping your bowel movements regular. But if you eat too much, it can cause problems like gas, constipation, stomach pain, and diarrhea. To prevent these issues, it’s important to use rice bran oil in small amounts and with a diet that has enough fiber.
Skin Issues:
In general, refined rice bran oil is good for the skin, but too much quantity might irritate the skin and make it red and itchy. Use the oil sparingly and do a patch test before applying it to more significant areas of the skin to prevent side effects.
Not Recommended for Pregnant Women:
Because of the risk of contamination with straw itch mites, which could impact the growing baby’s health, pregnant and lactating women should avoid using rice bran oil. Generally speaking, refined rice bran oil is safe to use, but expectant mothers and nursing mothers should be cautious and talk to their doctors before adding it to their regimen.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids:
Our body requires omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to balance with omega-6 fatty acids from rice bran oil. Too much omega-6 can increase inflammation and the risk of certain long-term diseases. So, including a mix of healthy fats in your diet is crucial.
Conclusion
Finally, rice bran oil is an elixir with limitless potential for improving our health, beauty, and overall well-being; it’s not only an oil for cooking but a golden serum that feeds our bodies from the inside out. Refined rice bran oil is a versatile ingredient that may improve the taste of your food and your health in many ways.
Consider pouring it on a salad, cooking vegetables, or adding it to your skincare routine. Before making significant changes to your diet or skincare, check with a healthcare professional to ensure rice bran oil suits your specific needs.
So, start your path to health, beauty, and wellness with this extraordinary natural gift—the golden elixir of rice bran oil—and savor its many advantages.
