What is rice bran oil?
It’s also a popular ingredient for stir-fries.
The oilcan act as an emulsifierandprolong shelf life, so it’s also found in highly processed foods.
Summary
Nutritional value.
Rice bran oil has a higher proportion of omega-6s than omega-3s.
Types of rice bran oil.
Still, there are a few forms of refined rice bran oil you may see in specialty markets.
Health benefits of rice bran oil:
It may improve heart health in moderation.
Phytosterolsnot only prevent the intestines10from absorbing dietary cholesterol, but they also increase the excretion of cholesterol in feces.
Andconsuming phytosterols daily10can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.
It contains beneficial antioxidants.
That said, the results of animal studies can’t necessarily be applied to the human population.
It may improve skin health.
It’s often included in soaps, she adds, along withsunscreens and topical anti-aging products13.
It’s allergy-friendly.
The downsides of rice bran oil.
Rice bran may have some noteworthy benefits, but it also comes with a few health concerns.
Here are the potential drawbacks of rice bran oil:
It contains saturated fat.
Rice bran oil also contains a higher amount of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
Its production may cause environmental harm.
In turn, traces of these chemicals may be foundin the bran oil, says Ryan.
The rice bran oil extraction process itself can be harmful to the environment, too.
Rice may contain arsenic.
Specifically, arsenic has beenlinked with health problems21such as cancer and DNA damage, in humans.
So, is rice bran oil good or bad?
Rice bran oil is also used for frying, which isn’t such a healthy food preparation either.
The smoke point of olive oilranges from 350 to 470 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the variety used.
Opt for more nutrient-richextra-virgin olive oilwhen you’re able to.
Both mono- and polyunsaturated fats can help improve heart health when eaten in place of saturated fat.
Frequently asked questions
Is rice bran oil healthier than vegetable oil?
What’s the rice bran oil extraction process?
Whats a good rice bran oil substitute?
Just note that the flavor will be a bit stronger.
The takeaway.
The bottom line: Cooking with rice bran oil on occasion is nothing to stress about.
