Health Benefits of Rice Bran - A Review

Abstract

Rice bran along with the germ is an inherent part of whole grain which consists of phytonutrients like oryzanols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols and importantly dietary fibers. The complete exploitation of its potential has not been realized due to problems associated with rancidity. However, owing to numerous stabilization procedures, it has been possible to derive an array of health-promoting value-added products. The applications span over a wide range starting from cholesterol reduction, combating cancer, alleviating menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms, masking the signs of ageing to production of PHA substitutes and treating water from agricultural run-off. The most commonly used form is its oil that has exceptional properties which makes it unparalleled when compared with other vegetable oils. This article gives a bird’s eye view of rice bran and its distinct properties.