Magazines and newspapers often have scores of conflicting and confusing information surrounding cooking oils. This makes picking the right kind for your family’s health and well-being quite the uphill task. With a plethora of options before you, an oil that can adapt to your cooking needs while providing the most amount of health benefits is an ideal choice. And we’re here to tell you that rice bran oil might just be it. It has a mild, nutty flavor that lends itself well to everything from curries and grilled patties to salads and even desserts. And considering the fact that it’s extracted from the nutritious husk of rice, it packs in the health benefits as well. Here are all the reasons why we think rice bran oil deserves a permanent spot on your kitchen shelf.
Keeps Your Heart In Check
It’s no secret that keeping your heart healthy is vital whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, are at risk of it, or simply want to stay fit. A healthy weight and a physically active life will get you halfway there. But your diet is key to achieving good heart health. Here’s where rice bran oil comes in. It is a well-balanced oil with the right mix of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids, which don’t increase the buildup of LDL “bad” cholesterol in your body. In doing so, rice bran oil maintains balance in the levels of LDL and HDL “good” cholesterol in your body. When they are off-balance, your risk of heart disease increases. Research has also found that rice bran oil contains oryzanol, a component that has been studied widely for its potential to act as a potent antioxidant and lower the absorption of cholesterol.1 And that’s not all. Studies have also found that rice bran oil prevents the buildup of platelets, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke.2 Healthy fatty acids, oryzanol, and an overall balanced platelet count together can keep your heart in good shape.3
Helps
You Look 10 Years Younger
As we age, our skin struggles to maintain that youthful glow. And while external applications might certainly help, we’re strong believers of the old adage “beauty comes from within.” True to this, researchers have found that the oryzanol and vitamin E in rice bran oil heal skin damage caused due to sun exposure. Sun damage can lead to pesky sun spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. These benefits don’t stop there. Research has found that the oryzanol in rice bran oil boosts capillary growth. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in our bodies and are responsible for transporting nutrients and wastes to and from the body’s tissues in a process that’s more commonly known as blood circulation. And as capillaries grow, they increase blood circulation and give the skin a natural, youthful glow. In fact, this glow is quite similar to that seen post-exercise and in pregnant women.4 Not to mention, the fact that capillaries decline in number as we age could be why we lose this glow as we get older. Besides, rice bran oil has a low comedogenic rating of 2, making it ideal to use topically as well, should you wish to. All benefits considered, rice bran oil makes a great addition to any skincare routine.5 6
Eases
Pesky Hot Flashes During Menopause
The end of childbearing years can be exhausting to cope with, to say the least. With your hormones wreaking havoc, mood swings, sleep difficulties, and fatigue are a regular occurrence. Also common, hot flashes. In fact, studies have found that up to 80% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes and can last for years. Researchers have found that the oryzanol in rice bran oil prevents the secretion of luteinizing hormone in the body.7 High levels of this hormone trigger hot flashes in menopausal women. This makes rice bran oil a potential natural alternative to conventional treatment options for hot flashes.8
Protects Your Body Against Cancer
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