The secret of rice bran oil

　　In spite of its almost miraculous properties， not enough people are aware of the goodness of rice bran oil. It’s time we uncovered those secrets

　　Choosing the right cooking oil is of vital importance as this choice directly affects your health. Bad dietaryfats can prove to be really bad for your health. They can cause inflammation which leads to arthritic aches andpains， heart disease， type II diabetes， cancer and other degenerative conditions. Good dietary fats on the other hand can reduce inflammation and reduce your risk of developing heart disease， rheumatoid arthritis， joint pain，type II diabetes， and metabolic disorder， make your sking low and improve your immune system.

　　Rice bran oil extracted from the thin bran coating of brown rice has been around for centuries. Even today， it is extensively used in many Asian countries like Korea， China，Taiwan and Thailand for cooking， particularly in Japan where it is popularly known as the “Heart Oil” because ofits many car diovascular benefits. The benefits of rice branoil however， are not limited to the heart. As researchers across the world are discovering， rice bran oil has many nutritive and curative properties that make it beneficial for our overall health. Health associations and nutritionists are showing increased interest in rice bran oil and so are health conscious communities – in America rice bran oil has acquired “health food” status. Rice bran oil contain unique micro nutrients and natural anti-oxidants that are not found in other cooking oils， hence it has been dubbed by many as the world’s healthiest oil.

　　But what is it that makes rice bran oil so popular？

　　Well， it’s the amazing health benefits that it carries that makes it stand out from other ‘healthy’ foods. Here is a comprehensive list of the health benefits rice bran oil offers.

　　Good for heart

　　Studies show that consuming rice bran oil has multipleeffects and benefits that aid in preventing and reducingthe risk of heart diseases. It is a rich natural source ofantioxidant “Oryzanol”， a potent chemical compound and tocotrienol， a type of vitamin E that are known to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the levels of fat moleculestriglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL)， and increasing the proportion of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.

　　An animal study also revealed that rice bran oil waseffective in decreasing total cholesterol for up to 42% andLDL cholesterol for up to 62%.MUFA (Mono-unsaturatedFatty Acid) and PUFA(Polyunsaturated fattyacids) on the otherhand keep bloodvessels healthy byimproving bloodcirculation. Thesebenefits havebeen known tothe Japanese forlong who call it the“Heart Oil”.

　　Improved skin health

　　Rice bran oil has been known as the beauty secret of East Asian women， and of Japanese， Korean women inparticular. In these parts of the world， the oil not only usedin cooking but also applied directly to the skin and hair as abeauty regime.

　　Squalene found in rice bran oil is an organic compoundalso naturally produced by human skin. It acts as amoisturizing lubricant which gives the skin a soft， smooth，velvety appearance. Gamma oryzanol and vitamin E inrice bran oil also reduce tissue oxidation which slows downageing of skin resulting in beautiful healthy skin texture andcomplexion. For its skin care properties rice bran oil is alsoused as a sunscreen agent.

　　Good for nervous system

　　Vitamin E-complex in rice bran oil is essentialin the proper functioning of central nervous system， enhancing braincap ability and reflexes and protecting against Alzheimer’sdisease. Gamma oryzanol increases neurotransmitterproduction in the brain.

　　Good for immune system

　　Antioxidants in rice bran oil slow down theoxidationprocess in the body and control the presence of freeradicals， thus protecting it from diseases， reducing allergic reactions and strengthening the immune system.

　　Fights cancer

　　Excessive free radicals in the body cause cellular damageand increase the risk of cancer. Rice bran contains natural substances and antioxidants that curb free radicals and hence reduce the risk. Scientific research has shown thatrice bran oil also helps destroy cancer cells. Tocotrienols and phytosterols are effective anti-mutagenic elements found in rice bran oil.

　　Good for hormonal health

　　Rice bran oil is known to contain compounds that regulate hormone secretion. It contains healthy amounts offer ulic acid that has good effects on the concentration of endocrine hormones. Oryzanol found only in rice bran can also reduce hot flashes symptoms in menopausal women.A study found that 90% of women taking rice bran oildaily found relief in menopausal symptoms.

　　Good for cooking

　　The best thing about Rice bran oil is that it retains antioxidant stability even at high temperatures. It has a high smoking point of 254°C. The usual frying temperatures are between 180°C- 190°C. Rice bran oil remains stable upto more than 250°C. So it has a high heat stability which is important when you are looking for a healthy cooking oil. High temperatures are known to produce mutagenic elements in edible oils as well as in the food that you cook in it. But this is not the case with rice bran oil It does not breakdown into toxic compound under high heat. Ricebran oil is less viscous so it does not stick to the food –which means that the food absorbs less oil which in turn reduces the oil content and the caloric value of the food making it healthier.

　　It is a known fact that food cooked at high temperature sabsorbs less oil. Since rice branoil is heat stable， one can cook at high temperatures (if needed)without having to worry about decomposition of the oil. This allows less oil to be absorbed bythe food. Thus making it lesser incalories and therefore beneficial for your waist line and healthin general.

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