Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is mainly squeezed from the germ and interior husk of rice. The oil is well-advised for its high smoking point and meek flavor that makes it ideal for high temperature cooking methods. It is the healthiest edible oil containing vitamins, antioxidants, and Trans fat free. Bran oil is popular as cooking oil, mostly in the Asian countries.

Rice Bran Oil

Table of Contents

Table Of Content

Table of Contents

Description

Here is the general description of this edible oil.

Color – The oil is reddish yellow in color.

Smoke point – The smoking point of rice bran oil is 213 degree C.

Smell – This edible oil has almost insignificant aroma.

Taste – Rice bran oil has a very appealing nut like flavor.

Density – The viscosity of rice bran oil is light.

Rice Bran Oil

Composition

Composition of rice bran oil is somehow similar to that of peanut oil comprised of 38% monosaturated, 37% polysaturated and 25% saturated. Read about its fatty acid composition:

Fatty acid	Percentage
C14:0 Myristic acid	21.5%
C16:0 Palmitic acid	21.5%
C18:0 Stearic acid	2.9%
C18:1 Oleic acid	38.4%
C18:2 Linoleic acid	34.4%
C18:3 α-Linolenic acid	2.2%

Extraction

The extraction procedure starts with the preparation of raw material. First of all the rice bran is screened. Then it is heated by steam at a temperature of more than 100 degree Celsius. This procedure is done to stop Lipase hydrolysis in rice bran prior to extraction.

Advanced extracting technology is applied in order to come up with the crude rice bran oil, rich in vitamin E and Oryzanol. This crude bran oil is then submitted to the refining process for purifying and wrapping.

Nutritional Facts

Rice bran oil is a popular cooking because of its nutritional properties. The below mentioned chart will help you know about the nutritional facts of rice bran oil

Rice Bran Oil (1 Tablespoon)

Calories – 120

Fat – 15gm

Saturated fat – 3gm

Carbohydrates – 0mg

Cholesterol – 0gm

Protein – 0gm

Dietary fiber – 0gm

Health Benefits

Rice bran oil is noted for being very healthy and is used in many Indian and Indonesian dishes. The health benefits are as follows :

The oil consists of Vitamin E that helps in protecting our body from cancer.
This healthy oil helps in reduction of cholesterol level. Presence of tocotrienol bottles up the activity of HMG-CoA. This particular enzyme helps in synthesizing cholesterol.
It contains considerable levels of gamma and delta tacotrienols that prevents the growth of cancerous cells in our body.
Bran oil protects our skin from dust and pollution. Presence of oryzanol makes the skin better and also whitens the skin lightly. As the skin exposes to sunlight, the oil act as a sunscreen by protecting from the harmful UV rays.
The oil contains three anti-oxidants that helps in protecting the skin against the side-effects of free radicals.
Rice bran oil also has phytosterols that is beneficial four our health.
The oil contains y-oryzanol, effective in relieving hot flashes during menopause.
It has the same health benefits as olive oil, only available more easily in Indian subcontinent than olive oil.

Uses

Rice bran oil is used for several purposes

Edible Use

Rice bran oil adds taste and health benefits to the deep fried food dishes.
It is the ideal one to choose for stir-frying. One of its greatest advantages is its resistance to smoke.
The oil has a light flavor making it ideal for using with gourmet vinegar and spices.
It can also be used in baking applications.

Rice Bran Oil Photo

Medicinal Use

The oil contains medicinal properties. The oil contains high concentration of many anti-oxidants such as polyphenols, squalene, etc. These antioxidants are helpful in

Muscle growth
Development of cardiovascular health
Improved physical performance

Other Uses

Bran oil is also used for massaging body parts. It acts as a stress reliever.
The oil is also used in skin creams and soaps as a core ingredient.

Substitute

Rice bran oil can be substituted for hydrogenated fats. In many dishes it can be substituted with olive oil and vice-versa.

Storage & Shelf Life

The oil should be stored in a tightly sealed container in cool and dry place. The oil conceives good storage stability without hydrogenation. The shelf life of rice bran oil is six months to one year. It can be refrigerated with fresh or dried herbs and can be stored for longer than a year.

During pregnancy

The oil is useful for post pregnancy external massage. It is completely safe to consume for pregnant women. But still consult your doctor before having it during this period.

Side effects

Rice bran is safe for all health types.

But mounting the total amount of bran in the oil can result in irregular bowel movements, stomach problem and many more health discomforts .
Sometimes over-usage of bran oil can cause skin problems like itching, rashes, and redness of the skin. That is the reason why experts suggest consulting doctor first before you start with its usage.
Those who are already having digestive problem should not have rice bran oil because that can harm their health.
Presence of fiber in rice brain can block the digestive system sometimes.

Recipes

Rice bran oil is a popular cooking oil and is used in some delicious dishes

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Chicken Saltimbocca
Chicken Fried Stick
Orange Honey Dressing
Beer Battered Fish

Where to buy?

Rice bran oil is available in the grocery stores as well as in the departmental stores. Make sure that you are having the oil of a well known oil manufacturing company. You can also purchase it online.

Interesting Facts

There are a few interesting facts of rice bran oil

This oil has the perfect synchronization of saturated, polysaturated and monosaturated fats.
The oil is perfect for improving the cholesterol level and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Barn oil is effective in fighting against aging.