Rice Bran Oil: 8 Health Benefits, Uses, And Side Effects

It is an undeniable fact that cooking oil greatly impacts your health. With increased health consciousness, less refined and low-fat oils, like rice bran oil, are gaining popularity. The benefits of rice bran oil have been well-researched in recent times. The oil also adds a unique flavor and mild aroma to your dishes. To learn more about the benefits of rice bran oil and if it is worth the hype, continue reading further!

Know Your Ingredient: Rice Bran Oil

What Is It?
A less refined, low-fat oil extracted from the outer layer of the rice called bran.

What Are Its Benefits?
May reduce blood sugar levels, boost heart health, aid weight loss, treat dark spots and acne, and reverse signs of aging.

Who Can Use It?
All except those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or with digestive issues, such as ulcers and indigestion.

How Often?
Regularly, but in moderation.

Caution
May cause gastrointestinal issues and indigestion.

What Is Rice Bran Oil? How Is It Good For You?

Rice bran oil is an extract derived from the rice husk or the hard outer brown layer of rice.
Now to answer the question: Is rice bran oil good for you? Well, the refining process of the rice husk creates a byproduct, and it has numerous benefits for the beauty and health industry. Rice bran oil has a high smoke point (450o F) and is quite suitable for dishes involving high temperatures.

The goodness of rice bran oil comes from its components. It contains y-oryzanol, a potent antioxidant, and other organic chemical compounds like tocopherols and tocotrienols, which have properties of vitamin E. Most of the benefits of this oil come from these compounds, which is what we will discuss now.

What Are The Benefits Of Rice Bran Oil?

1. Rice Bran Oil Boosts Heart Health

Also known as a heart-friendly oil, it can lower cholesterol levels – thanks to the optimum levels of oryzanol. In fact, this antioxidant reduces cholesterol absorption and increases cholesterol elimination. This oil also has the best combination of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats amongst all vegetable oils.

One Iranian study states that taking rice bran oil as part of a healthy diet can cut the risk of cardiovascular disease (1). In another interesting study, we find that it is rice bran oil, and not fiber, that has more effects on cholesterol reduction (2).

2. Can Be Beneficial For Diabetics

In one study, 18 g daily consumption of rice bran oil for five weeks was found to lower total serum cholesterol concentrations and bad cholesterol in in type 2 diabetes patients (3). However, there was no singnificant impact on insulin resistance.

Trivia

Rice bran wax, which is produced from rice bran oil, is used as a substitute for carnauba wax in cosmetics.

3. Aids Weight Loss

As it has the ability to lower cholesterol levels, rice bran oil may also aid weight loss (4). It is also rich in natural antioxidants (like oryzanol) that boost metabolism and contribute to healthy weight loss (5).

4. Treats Dark Spots

Using rice bran oil topically has its benefits (6). It evens out the skin tone and reduces dark spots. It also helps treat the puffiness around eyes.

5. Helps Treat Eczema

The moisturizing properties of rice bran oil may help treat dry skin and eczema (7). Other dry skin conditions like dermatitisⁱ  XSkin conditions that may cause inflammation and dry, swollen, and itchy red patches or blisters. , rosaceaⁱ  XA skin condition, affecting mostly middle-aged people, that causes facial redness along with small red, pus-filled bumps. , and even rashes could also be treated with rice bran oil.

6. Treats Acne

The oil contains oleic and linoleic acids in a balanced ratio, and this can help treat acne. This is because acne-prone skin is usually deficient in linoleic acid. The oil also contains palmitic acid, another essential fatty acid for healthy skin.

Elena Toma, a blogger, has tried rice bran oil in her beauty regime and shared her experience in a blog post. She says “Rice bran oil is one of my favorite skin oils because it penetrates skin and does not lay on top of it making it greasy and nothing else. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and calm down irritated skin without clogging pores or aggravating acne. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (also helps to prevent them) (i).”

7. Helps Delay Aging

This can be attributed to the presence of squalene in the oil, which tightens skin and boosts skin health. As a consequence, it slows down wrinkle formation and delays skin aging due to its natural moisturizing action.

Quick Tip

Gamma oryzanol, which is a fat fraction of rice bran oil, is available as an over-the-counter drug in China for high cholesterol and menopause.

8. Boosts Hair Growth

Rice bran oil contains inositol, a carbohydrate compound that prevents dandruff and reduces split ends. It also promotes hair health. The oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (though omega-3 is only in small amounts) that help prevent premature graying of hair.

Studies show that linoleic acid and oryzanol also boost hair growth and strengthen your tresses (8).

9. May Boost The Immune System

Rice bran oil is believed to boost the immune system. It contains beneficial compounds, like antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats, that play a vital role in strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms (9).

A key ingredient in rice bran oil, gamma-oryzanol, has also been linked to enhanced immune function and an improved immune system response. A study done on mice showed that the consumption of rice bran oil may help modulate the immune system to some extent (10).

10. May Improve Liver Health

A study done on rats with fatty liver disease found that rice bran oil improved their liver health. It helped lower elevated fat and cholesterol levels in the liver. It also stops certain genes from producing more fat. The study concluded that rice bran oil may prevent liver problems in women after menopause (11).

These are the ways rice bran oil can keep you healthier. But there is something else we need to know – the many other nutrients in the oil that do the job well.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Rice Bran Oil?

There are other ways you can use rice bran oil.

Any Other Uses Of Rice Bran Oil?

• For Cooking

Rice bran oil is particularly effective in high-heat cooking, given it has a high smoke point. You can use it while stir-frying, frying or sautéing. It also has a light flavor and clean texture and doesn’t overpower the food. It is a popular ingredient in Asian countries and is used as a key ingredient in many Japanese, Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.

• For Making Soap

Another interesting use of rice bran oil is in the soapmaking process. It is made with a combination of rice bran oil and other ingredients, along with organic shea butter and sodium hydroxide. You also add distilled water.

Sounds cool, doesn’t it? But wait – not everything is rosy about this oil. There is a shady side to it as well.

What Are The Side Effects of Rice Bran Oil?

• Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Though safe in normal amounts, we aren’t sure if the oil can be taken in larger amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, stay safe and take the oil in moderation after consulting your doctor.

• Gastrointestinal Issues

In case you have digestive tract issues like ulcers, indigestion, or any other type of digestive issue, stay away from the oil. The fiber from the rice bran might block your digestive tract and cause complications.

We are not sure if the same is the case with the oil as well. So, stay safe and avoid use.

Infographic: 5 Ways Rice Bran Oil Can Benefit You

Many believe rice bran oil to be the healthiest of all the vegetable oils. It helps keep your heart healthy, helps manage diabetes, and promotes healthy skin. Want to know more? Check out the infographic below to find out why you should use rice bran oil.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is rice bran oil healthier than olive oil?

Both rice bran and olive oils are healthy. Rice bran oil has a higher vitamin E content, while olive oil has a high vitamin K content (9), (10). Rice bran oil has a longer shelf life and is budget-friendly compared to olive oil.

Which is best: sunflower oil or rice bran oil?

While sunflower and rice bran oils are nutritious, their nutritional values differ. Rice bran oil is high in vitamin K and the antioxidant oryzanol compared to sunflower oil (9), (11), (12). This may make rice bran oil more effective in managing cholesterol levels and improving overall heart health.

Is rice bran oil better than refined oil?

Yes, rice bran oil is better than refined oil. It is cholesterol-free and also possesses cancer-preventive agents.

Is rice bran oil healthier than ghee?

Rice bran oil is healthier than ghee because it contains powerful antioxidants and healthy fatty acids. Ghee is heavier and is not heart-friendly too.

What color is rice bran oil?

It has a dark reddish hue which further darkens on frying.

How do I store rice bran oil to ensure its freshness and quality?

Store rice bran oil in a dark place that is devoid of sunlight to ensure its freshness and quality.

Is rice bran oil safe for people with allergies or sensitivities to wheat or gluten?

Yes, rice bran oil is safe for people with allergies or sensitivities to wheat or gluten as it is hypoallergenic and gluten-free.

Why is rice bran oil expensive?

Rice bran oil is expensive because it has recently gained popularity in usage by health-conscious consumers. Moreover, its preparation includes multiple processes that make it more expensive than other oils.

How do I choose a high-quality rice bran oil, and what should I look for on the label?

To choose a high-quality rice bran oil, opt for a refined-grade type. Look for its iodine value (which should be between 90-105) on the label to get the best and most healthy rice bran oil.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Staci GulbinMS, MEd, RD, LDN

   

Staci Gulbin is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, health editor, and founder of LighttrackNutrition.com. She has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010 and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition and dietetics industry. Staci has also been applying her health and wellness knowledge to writing and editing for websites, such as CDiabetes,...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more