It is an irrefutable reality that cooking oil has a significant impact on your health. Less refined and low-fat oils, such as rice bran oil, are becoming more popular as people become more health-conscious. The benefits of rice bran oil have recently been extensively researched. The oil also imparts a distinct flavor to your dishes. Learn more about this oil, its benefits, and whether it is really healthy or not. Continue reading for more information.
What is Rice Bran Oil?
Rice bran oil is derived from the rice husk, or the tough external brown layer of rice. Rice bran oil has an extreme smoke point and is ideal for high-temperature dishes.
The quality of rice bran oil is derived from its constituents. It contains y-oryzanol, a powerful antioxidant, as well as other organic chemical substances with vitamin E properties such as tocopherols and tocotrienols. The majority of the benefits of this oil are derived from these compounds, which we will discuss now.
What are the Benefits of Rice Bran Oil?
Rice bran oil is now a widely known cooking oil substitute. People all over the world recommend it because of its ease of use and versatility. But the first question that comes to mind while using it is, “Is rice bran oil healthy?” So, let’s have a look at some of the reasons why rice bran oil is good for health.
1. Boosts Heart Health
It is also recognized as heart-friendly oil because of the high levels of oryzanol it contains. This antioxidant, in fact, reduces cholesterol absorption while increasing cholesterol elimination. This oil also has the most saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats of any vegetable oil. According to one Iranian study, consuming rice bran oil as part of a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Another intriguing study discovered that rice bran oil, not fiber, has greater effects on cholesterol reduction.
2. Improves Immunity
The antioxidants found in rice bran oil can help the body’s immune system. Oryzanol has also been linked to a greater immune response. So, if you want to enhance your immunity, try using rice bran oil in your daily cooking.
3. Controls Blood Sugar
Regular consumption of rice bran oil may improve insulin tolerance in the body, making it useful in controlling blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the high fat content of rice bran oil is beneficial to diabetics.
4. Helpful for Menopause
Rice bran oil can provide the necessary strength to help menopausal women deal with the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Bloating, hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms are common. Hot flashes can be managed with Y-oryzanol, which is found in rice bran oil.
5. Good Source of Antioxidants
Rice bran oil is high in antioxidants such as phytosterols, tocopherols, gamma-oryzanol, and tocotrienols. These antioxidants can protect the body from free radical damage. As a result, it is beneficial to one’s overall health.
6. Good for Kidney Stones
Consuming enough rice bran oil on a daily basis can help reduce calcium incorporation in the body. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of developing distressing kidney stones. As a result, include this fantastic oil in your diet for a healthy body!
7. Boosts Hair Growth
Inositol, a carbohydrate compound found in rice bran oil, prevents dandruff and minimizes split ends. It also fosters hair health. The oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (though only in trace amounts of omega-3), which help prevent premature graying of hair. Linoleic acid and oryzanol have been shown in studies to increase hair growth and strength.
8. Good for Skin
Yes, rice bran oil rewards skin by keeping it healthy and supple. The oil is high in antioxidants, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin E, niacin, and vitamin B5. These compounds have the potential to improve skin health and supply much-needed nutrition to skin cells. Furthermore, antioxidants in the oil shield the skin from free radical damage. It is beneficial in the treatment of skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, eczema, and others.
What Are the Uses of Rice Bran Oil?
Rice Bran Oil can be used for different purposes. Let’s have a look at the uses of Rice Bran Oil.
1. For Cooking Purposes –
Because of its high smoke point, rice bran oil is especially useful in high-heat cooking. It can be used in stir-frying or sautéing. It also has a gentle flavor and texture that does not overpower the food.
2. For Making Soap –
Another intriguing application of rice bran oil is in the soap making procedure. It is made with rice bran oil and other oils, as well as natural shea butter and sodium hydroxide. You also include distilled water.
What Are the Disadvantages of Rice Bran Oil?
While this nutritious rice bran oil has numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, too much use of this oil may result in some side effects. If you are concerned about incorporating rice bran oil into your diet, you should be aware of the potential drawbacks. So, let’s take a closer look at the side effects of rice bran oil.
1. Stomach Issues –
The fiber content of the oil is beneficial to the stomach, but excessive fiber consumption can cause stomach problems. It can cause constipation, flatulence, stomach aches, diarrhea, and other problems. As a result, it is better to use rice bran oil sparingly.
2. Causes Skin Issues –
While in moderation, rice bran oil is beneficial to skin health. Uncontrolled use of the oil may result in skin irritation such as redness, itching, and so on. As a result, it is best to apply this oil on the body sparingly.
3. Not Good for Pregnant Women –
Although it is uncommon, rice bran can become riddled with a pest known as straw itch mite. Rice bran oil is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women because it can harm the developing baby’s health. As a result, it is better to avoid using during these critical times.
Conclusion
The external surface of the rice kernel is used to make rice bran oil. It has become an extremely prevalent cooking alternative in recent years. Furthermore, it has numerous health benefits such as improving heart health and immune function, reducing bad breath, and improving skin health. Although using rice bran oil is beneficial, excessive use can lead to health problems. Bloating, stomach cramps, and other symptoms are among them. As a result, this oil should be used sparingly.
Shop at LoveLocal, to Support Local retailers!