Food and Nutrition

Healthy Living
Reaping the benefits of Rice Bran Oil
Food and Nutrition



Move over olive, there is new cooking oil in town – and some say it is healthier.

Rice bran oil (RBO) is produced from the bran of the rice kernel. RBO contains a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial to our health. Two of its components: gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols have individually shown health benefits.

The oil has a nutty flavour and researchers agree it has an excellent lasting quality, meaning you save money and time. RBO is a specialty product found in countries such as Canada, United States, Japan, India, Korea, China and Indonesia. It costs more than most cooking oils, but its superior quality and health benefits provide many advantages.

What are the benefits?

Cooking oil is commonly used in many Canadian households. Health professionals always emphasize on the advantages of healthy oils over fatty oils. Rice bran oil is healthier because it has higher cholesterol reduction ability than its competitors. It increases HDL cholesterol, (known as good cholesterol) and lowers the production of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, which lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One study in California, USA showed every one per cent reduction in cholesterol meant a two per cent decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. As well, another research indicates RBO does not produce allergic reactions, as many other oils do.

Disease prevention

Rice bran oil’s component Gamma-Oryzanol is high in antioxidants. Its antioxidant properties reduce plasma cholesterol and cholesterol absorption. It also decreases early atherosclerosis (a disease that affects the blood vessels in the arteries). It also increases fecal bile acid excretion, which helps in digestion.

Its other component Tocotrienols, found in the outer grain hull of the rice kernel, belong to the vitamin E family (known for its antioxidant properties) and can help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. A study, as quoted in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, has shown that long-term use of tocotrienol might reduce overall cancer risks.

Everyday use

Rice Bran oil can be used for everyday cooking or to add a little flavour to your salad. Already some companies and restaurants are using RBO in their cooking. Unlike some oils, RBO doesn’t produce a lot of smoke at high temperature and as a result some Japanese restaurants use the oil when deep frying their tempura dishes. Canada’s very own, Mampster is one of the few companies dedicated to using RBO in all their products.

Look out for these products at your local grocery store and start enjoying a healthier version of snacks you already love.