According to World Health Organisation (WHO),definition of Health states :“Health is a state of mental, physical and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of any disease or infirmity”.
A lot matters on what we eat, how it is prepared and when we consume that food. One of the main ingredients that we Indian use in our food preparation is Oil. The usage of the right oil and how much oil you use in your meal preparation can make or break your health. Hence, choosing the right kind of fat/oil is important. It is even more crucial for people who lead an extremely busy lifestyle.
India is the second largest producer of rice in the world next to China, producing about 100 MMT every year. Rice bran oil(gamma oryzanol) is extracted from rice husk and germwhich is notable for its high smoke point of 232 °C (450 °F),longer shelf life and its mild flavour, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as stir-frying and deep-frying.
According to the latest recommendations by National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)the ideal fatty acid composition of an oil is 27-33% (saturated fatty acid): 33-40%(monounsaturated) : 27-33%(polyunsaturated) and rice bran oil is closest to this recommendation.Its percentages being SFA (24%): MUFA (42%): PUFA (34%). It has a balanced fatty acid profile.
Rice bran oil and its amazing benefits on our health:
There are innumerable good benefits on our health because it contains vital nutrients:
1) Ricebran oil contains Vitamin E in forms (Tocopherol and Tocotrienol),which are natural antioxidantsand help fighting free radicals,(free radicals are the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells),as it helps to improve neurological functioning and balances the endocrine hormones.
2)Squalene,antioxidant in rice bran oil, works wonders in improving skin health as it acts like a natural moisturizer, prevents the formation of wrinkles and delays skin ageing protecting the skin from sun damage.
3)Oryzanol,antioxidant in this oil reduces cholesterol levels in your blood and liver. A low carbohydrate diet cooked in rice Bran Health Oil, helps reduce triglycerides (tg), reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves the good cholesterol to bad cholesterol ratio (HDL/LDL) which is very important for heart health.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends rice bran oil as the best choice for improving serum cholesterol.
4)Rice brain oil is hypoallergenic so will not cause any allergic reactions when used in cooking, and can also calm your allergic reaction system in the body, preventing hyper-sensitivity to other unusual allergens.
5)Y-oryzanol, in rice bran oil, helps in curbing hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. A study titled Rice Bran Oil-‘The Age Old Oil’ authored by Maulishree Jhawer, Dr Enozia Vakil and Medically reviewed by Dr Simi Paknikar abd Dr Nithin Jayan found that 90%of women who were taking rice bran oil daily found relief in menopausal symptoms by improving hormonal balance (http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/rice-bran-oil-benefits.htm)
6) I personally undertook a 60 day research in New Delhi, India, with about 300 people with mild to moderately high blood pressure participated. These 300 people were divided into three groups. One group was treated with a commonly used blood pressure lowering medication called a calcium-channel blocker (nifedipine). The second group was given the oil blend and told to use about an ounce each day in their meals while the third group received the calcium channel blocker and the oil blend.All three groups, with approximately an equal number of men and women, average age of 57, saw drops in their systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure dropped an average of 14 points for those using only the oil blend and 16 points for those taking medication. Those using both saw a 36-point drop. Diastolic blood pressure also dropped significantly: 11 points for those eating the oil, 12 for those on medication and 24 for those using both
7)Rice Bran oil, in spite of having high calories and fat constituents, has the ability of controlling weight gain. Owing to its viscosity, the oil is not absorbed by food prepared in it. However, the health benefits and the flavour will be retained in the food reducing the calorific value of the food.
‘Last but not the least –‘Moderation is the key to good health’. Therefore, just like any other oil – its use is recommended in moderate amounts. NIN (National Institute of Nutrition) recommends 25 gm per day of oils and fats for adults with sedentary lifestyle while for individuals involved in hard physical work require 30 to 40 gm oils and fats. Diets of young children and adolescents should contain 30 to 50 gm per day of oils and fats.The oil is useful for post pregnancy external massage. It is completely safe to consume for pregnant women. But,it is always good to consult your doctor before having it during this period.