Facts and Benefits of Rice bran

Rice is a perennial grass which belongs to the grass family Poaceae and originated in India, Southern China and Thailand. It was diversified and domesticated in ancient times and is cultivated in semi-tropical, wet tropical and warm temperate areas around the world for producing its cereal grain. Rice is the primary cereal crops in the word for human consumption. Rice serves as the main source of calories for more than half of the world’s population.

Rice bran is the hard outer layers of cereal grain which consists of combined aleurone as well as pericarp. It is an essential part of whole grains which is produced as byproduct of milling in producing refined grains. When bran is expelled from grains, it loses a part of its nutritional value. Bran has high content of dietary fiber, essential fatty acids and other vital amounts of protein, starch, dietary minerals and vitamins. Being a great source of phytic acid which is an antinutrient, it prevents absorption of nutrients. It offers wide range of health benefits with the presence of vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin B and essential fatty acids. It is a great source of phytosterols which helps to control blood sugar, cholesterol metabolism and prostate health. Naturally it is gluten free, lactose free and hypoallergenic which makes it tolerable health product for various tastes.

Traditional uses

• Apply rice bran oil topically for improving circulation and lower the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around eyes.
• It is helpful to prevent skin conditions such as eczema.
• It helps to repair damage, dryness and brittleness.
• Apply the oil directly to wounds for speeding up healing process.
• Rice bran is used for treating cardiovascular diseases.
• It helps to lower the formation of kidney stones.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• High intake of bran causes unpredictable bowel movements, stomach discomfort and intestinal gas.
• Rice bran when added to baths causes skin redness and itching.
• Use it in moderate amounts.
• The people with digestive problems such as adhesions, intestinal ulcers, slow digestion, and blockage of digestive tract should not use rice bran.
• It provides relief from unwanted constipation by promoting the functions of digestive tract, eliminating toxins and boost metabolism.

How to Eat         

• In Japan, it is used for pickling.
• In Kitakyushu city, it is used to stew fish such as sardine.
• The oil extracted from rice bran is used for deep frying.
• Rice bran is used in making confectionery products such as snacks, bread, biscuits and cookies.
• Make a rice bran drink by mixing a spoonful of rice bran and 200 ml of milk.

Other Facts        

In Myanmar, rice bran is combined with ash and used as a detergent for washing dishes.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=41976#null

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bran

https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-rice-bran-carrier-oil.html

https://www.rxlist.com/rice_bran-page2/supplements.htm

http://slism.com/diet/rice-bran-diet.html

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