Rice bran oil

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Rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice. It is notable for its very high smoke point of 490°F (254°C) and its mild flavor, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as stir frying and deep frying.[1] It is popular as a cooking oil in several Asian countries, including Japan and China.[2]

Rice bran oil contains a range of fats, with 47% of its fats monounsaturated, 33% polyunsaturated, and 20% saturated. The fatty acid composition of rice bran oil is:[3]

Fatty acid Percentage
Palmitic 15.0%
Stearic 1.9%
Oleic 42.5%
Linoleic 39.1%
Linolenic 1.1%
Arachidic 0.5%
Behenic 0.2%

Rice bran oil is rich in vitamin E, γ-oryzanol (an antioxidant that may help prevent heart attacks[4]), and phytosterols (compounds believed to help lower cholesterol absorption[5][6]), which may provide associated health benefits.

Rice bran oil was traditionally used in Southern India for cooking. A decline in usage has occurred for the last three decades. This decline is gaining momentum due to the increasing number of restaurants.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Tophé Rice Bran Oil Company. "Rice Bran Oil Benefits". http://www.honestfoods.com/topgriloil.html. Retrieved on 2007-08-27. 
  2. ^ California Rice Oil Company. "Health Benefits of Rice Bran Oil". http://www.californiariceoil.com/healthbenefits.htm. Retrieved on 2006-10-09. 
  3. ^ "Rice Bran Oil". http://www.ricebranoil.info/articles/frying.html. Retrieved on 2006-10-09. 
  4. ^ A.F. Cicero, A. Gaddi (2001). "Rice bran oil and gamma-oryzanol in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinaemias and other conditions". Phytother Res 15: 277–286. doi:10.1002/ptr.907. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_5_6/ai_80490897. Retrieved on 2006-10-09. 
  5. ^ Jeanie Lerche Davis (June 7, 2002). "Vegetable Oil Helps Reduce Cholesterol". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/36/1809_51716.htm. Retrieved on 2006-10-09. 
  6. ^ University of Rochester Medical Center (May 12, 2005). "Can Rice Bran Oil Melt Away Cholesterol?". Science Daily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050512110703.htm. Retrieved on 2006-10-09. 

[edit] External links


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