Rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice & rice grain hulls. It is also known as rice bran extract. It is notable for its high smoke point of 213 °C and its mild flavor, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as stir frying and deep frying. It is popular as oil for healthy cooking in several Asian countries including Japan and China. The healthiest portion of rice is the oil extracted from the otherwise unused bran. Rice bran oil was first used in Asian countries, but its use has spread because it’s rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
Properties of Rice bran oil
Food energy per 100 g
3,700 kJ (880 kcal)
Smoke point
213 °C (415 °F)
Iodine value
99-108
Acid value
1.2
Saponification value
180-190
Unsaponifiable value
3-5
Composition of Rice bran oil
Rice bran oil has a composition similar to that of peanut oil, with 38% monounsaturated, 37% polyunsaturated, and 25% saturated fatty acids. The fatty acid composition is:
Fatty acid Percentage
C14:0 Myristic acid
0.6%
C16:0 Palmitic acid
21.5%
C18:0 Stearic acid
2.9%
C18:1 Oleic acid
38.4%
C18:2 Linoleic acid
34.4%
C18:3 α-Linolenic acid
2.2%
Nutrient Content of Rice bran oil per tablespoon
One tablespoon of rice bran oil provides 120 calories and about 13 g of fat. It also has 4 mg of vitamin E and approximately 3 micrograms of vitamin K.
Uses of Rice bran oil
• Rice bran wax, obtained from rice bran oil, is used as a substitute for carnauba wax in cosmetics, confectionery, shoe creams and polishing compounds.
• It is edible oil which is used in the preparation of vegetable ghee.
• Great for salad dressing too.
• It can be used as deep frying medium.
• It can be used for baking.
• It is used as skin protector in sunscreen products and hair conditioners is on the increase in the United States.
• Rice bran oil is also noted for its high content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids,
References: • Science Daily: Can Rice Bran Oil Melt Away Cholesterol? • National Institutes of Health: Health Benefits of Rice Bran Oil • Dr. Weil: Is Rice Bran Oil Healthy? • Rice University: Antioxidants and Free Radicals • KING - the biggest rice bran oil manufacturer.htm • Rice bran oil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm • http://www.leonecotrading.com/product_prod.php • http://www.livestrong.com/article/413509-nutritional-information-for-rice-bran-oil/#ixzz2RMxWQqYb