Introduction

Homemade food is considered the path to nourishment and holistic health. The key to a healthy home-cooked meal is the right choice of cooking oil. Rice bran oil is a vegetable oil and a by-product of rice bran. It has been gaining popularity as a premium edible oil in Asian countries like India, China, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. This wonder oil might become a boon for better cooking due to its unique properties like prolonged shelf life, high smoke (burning) point, less greasy and less oily, along with enhancing the flavour of food. In Japan, it is called ‘Heart Oil’ whereas, in western countries, it is a ‘Functional Food’ or ‘Health Food’. It contains a heart-friendly phytochemical, oryzanol, making it an ideal cooking oil.^1,2 Let us learn about rice bran oil health benefits, properties, side effects and more. 

Nutritional Value of Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is a pale yellow, odourless, nutty-flavoured oil with a sweet taste. It is free from trans-fat and contains antioxidants like γ-oryzanol, tocotrienols, squalene, tocopherols, etc. The nutrient value of rice bran oil is as follows: 

• Energy: 884 Kcal 
• Fats: 100 g 
• Iron: 0.07 mg 
• Vitamin K: 24.7 µg 
• Vitamin E: 32.3 mg 

Properties of Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil has gained a status as a ‘heart-healthy oil’. It has been categorised as healthy edible oil, possibly due to its following health-benefiting properties.² 

• It may act as an antioxidant. 
• It may reduce inflammation. 
• It may lower blood glucose levels. 
• It may boost immunity. 
• It may lower bad cholesterol levels. 
• It may be hypoallergenic (unlikely to cause allergic reactions). 
• It may reduce blood pressure.^1,2 

Rice bran oil has a very well-balanced fatty acid profile that is recommended by prestigious organisations like the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Nutrition, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the American Heart Association.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Rice Bran Oil for Overall Health

Rice bran oil may have several advantages due to bioactive antioxidants, which may benefit our health.² A few of rice bran oil nutritional benefits are described below:  

1. Potential uses of rice bran oil for cholesterol 

Rice bran oil may have cholesterol-lowering properties due to its unique components, such as γ-oryzanol, tocotrienols, and mono and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. These bioactive components may be responsible for reducing bad cholesterol levels by increasing bile excretion. Rice bran oil bioactives may also reduce fats and lipids and increase good cholesterol levels (high-density lipoproteins). This may create a balance between good and bad cholesterol, which might be important for good health.^1,2 However, more studies are needed to suggest the benefits of rice bran oil for human health. 

2. Potential uses of rice bran oil for diabetes  

Rice bran oil may have blood sugar-lowering properties. Rice bran oil, combined with sesame oil used as cooking oil, might reduce the pre- and post-meal plasma glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. These anti-diabetic properties of rice bran oil might be due to the high amount of γ-oryzanol. It might stimulate insulin production in the body and regulate blood glucose levels by activating liver enzymes, lowering blood glucose levels.^2,4 However, diabetes is a serious condition; therefore, getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary. So, kindly do not rely on rice bran oil for managing your sugar levels. 

3. Potential uses of rice bran oil for skin 

The skin benefits of rice bran oil may be associated with squalene and tocotrienols. These antioxidants may be similar to the skin’s natural oils, which may be easily absorbed into the skin, retaining its moisture. Rice bran oil may also have anti-inflammatory action, which might help skin repair against the harmful effects of UV rays.^1,2 Hence, rice bran oil might be used in sunscreens, however, take medical consultations and do not self-medicate. 

4. Potential use of rice bran oil as an antioxidant 

Rice bran oil may have antioxidant properties due to the phytochemical γ-oryzanol. Antioxidants may help enhance body immunity and combat various diseases. These antioxidants may also fight cancer-causing free radicals in the body, thus, reducing cancer risk. Besides, rice bran oil may be effective for weight loss as it contains oleic acid and linoleic acid, which may help lose weight and manage obesity. In addition, vitamin E of rice bran oil may help enhance brain functioning and balance the endocrine hormones.^1,2 However, further research is needed to study the antioxidant nature of rice bran oil. 

5. Other potential uses of rice bran oil  

• Rice bran oil may be used in sports supplements for muscle development and bodybuilding. However, take proper consultation from a nutritionist before using it. Do not self-medicate.¹ 
• The blend of sesame oil and rice bran oil might significantly reduce high blood pressure by lowering triglycerides, fats, lipids and bad cholesterol levels.² 

Though studies show the benefits of rice bran oil in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a necessity for further studies to develop the true scope of the benefits of rice bran oil on human health. In addition, each person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician before using rice bran oil for any medical condition.  

Did you know that rice bran oil (RBO) is not just delicious but also packed with benefits? One fascinating fact is that RBO contains Vitamin E, which might not only improve neurological functioning but may also help to balance endocrine hormones.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Rice Bran Oil?

Food cooked in rice bran oil may be less oily with a better taste and flavour.² You may use rice bran oil: 

• For grilling, sauteing and marinades.  
• As a salad dressing. 
• As a cooking oil for deep-frying or stir-frying.² 

People should consult a qualified doctor before using rice bran oil in large quantities. Further, we recommend not to replace or discontinue any ongoing treatment of modern medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations of rice bran oil without taking the medical advice of a doctor. They will guide you with its form and dosage per your health condition.  

Gamma oryzanol, found in rice bran oil, has shown impressive results in reducing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Additionally, it has been dicovered that gamma oryzanol might be effective in alleviating women’s menopausal issues.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Rice Bran Oil

Increasing the amount of rice bran oil in a diet may cause certain side effects.¹ The side effects of rice bran oil may include: 

• Flatulence, gas, and stomach discomfort. 
• It contains omega-6-fatty acids and might increase cancer risk when consumed in high amounts. 
• It may have heavy metals like arsenic; whose prolonged exposure may be dangerous to health. 
• It may lower blood calcium levels causing calcium deficiency.^1,2 

Therefore, you should not use rice bran oil to self-medicate on your own. It is essential to take a doctor’s advice and have it only if recommended. 

Rice bran oil (RBO) has a unique property that sets it apart from other oils. It creates fewer polymers, which means it is less greasy compared to other oils. This not only contributes to a better flavour in your dishes but also makes clean-up easier. Additionally, RBO has the advantage of being absorbed less when used in cooking, and still providing enhanced flavour.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Precautions to Take with Rice Bran Oil

Various toxicological studies found that when used in moderation, rice bran oil might be a safe alternative to edible oil.² However, the following precautions must be considered: 

• You should not use crude rice bran oil as it may contain heavy metals and pesticide residues.^1,2 
• If you have stomach ailments, limit the intake of rice bran oil, as it may cause discomfort.¹ 
• Calcium-deficient patients must avoid using rice bran oil, as it might further lower blood calcium levels.¹ 
• More research is needed to suggest the safe use of rice bran oil for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, they should consult a doctor prior to starting its use. 
• Take extra precautions while using it for children and older adults. 

If you’re looking for a natural and easy way to freshen your breath, rice bran oil might be your saviour! In a study, it was found that using rice bran oil for oil pulling could be effective in reducing bad breath, also known as halitosis.

Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS

Interactions with Other Drugs

Rice bran oil contains γ-oryzanol, which might positively interact with certain drugs resulting in herb-drug interaction.  

• A study (Devarajan et al., 2016) found that rice bran oil blends might positively support the activity of a blood sugar-lowering drug (Glibenclamide) to reduce blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. ⁴ 

However, consult with your doctor before using rice bran oil. They will direct you to the better way to have it. Do not self-medicate. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Nayik G, Majid I, Gull A, Muzaffar K. Rice bran oil, the Future Edible Oil of India: A mini Review. J Rice Res. 2015;3(4):1–3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282356727_Rice_bran_oil_the_Future_Edible_Oil_of_India_A_mini_Review 

2. Ali A, Devarajan S. Nutritional and health benefits of rice bran oil. Manickavasagan Annamalai, Santhakumar Chandini, Venkatachalapathy N., editors. Brown Rice. Springer International Publishing; 2017. 135–158 p. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319238327_Nutritional_and_Health_Benefits_of_Rice_Bran_Oil 

3. Food Data Central. Oil, rice bran [Internet]. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2019 [cited 2022 Oct 13]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171013/nutrients 

4. Sapwarobol S, Saphyakhajorn W, Astina J. Biological Functions and Activities of Rice Bran as a Functional Ingredient: A Review. Nutr Metab Insights. 2021;14:1–11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655829/pdf/10.1177_11786388211058559.pdf 

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