Annually, there is more than 600 million tons of rice planted globally. Most of the nutritional value lies in the bran and germ. Rice bran is derived from the outer part of the rice kernels and produced through white rice processing. They are usually added to cereals or smoothies.
The nutritional content of 1 cup of rice bran (approximately 118 grams) contains 373 calories. It has high content of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Rice bran has extensive benefits for health, most which have been confirmed scientifically. Among these health benefits of rice bran syrup:
- Lowering Cholesterol
The number one causes of death in the world are accounted to ischemic heart disease and stroke. One of the main causes of these diseases is uncontrolled level of cholestrol, that contributes to blockage of blood circulation to brain (in the case of stroke) and heart (in the case of ischemic heart disease).
Rice bran is believed to influence the cholestrol level by suppressing the amount of LDL cholestrol (the bad cholestrols). This is due to the presence of high concentration of substances, namely physterols, oyzanols and tocotrienols. These substances are know as cholestrol-lowering agents that play an important role in the metabolism of lipid, especially in people with high cholestrol. Studies have backed up the fact that rice bran significantly lowers the cholestrol level. You may also read about Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
- Preventing heart disease
There are many health benefits of rice bran syrup. Coronary heart disease remains to be high in mortality and morbidity. That means, more and more people die everyday due to heart problem, and if they were still alive, they would have to experience decreased quality of life. Coronary heart disease is best prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle, including good diet control. You may also read about Health Benefits of Raspberry Juice
Consumption of dietary fiber that is present in cereals, including rice bran, has been shown to reduce the number of death due to coronary heart disease. It contributes by reducing blood pressure, lowering blood cholesterol levels and increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer
Rice bran and other dietary fibers that contain physterols are believed to have an impact on inhibiting development of cancer. This has been demonstrated in animal studies. By consuming it, the substance induces cholestrol breakdown and suppress bile acid products in the intestines, both which may contribute to occurrence of cancer at cellular level. You may also read about Benefits of Budwig Diet for Cancer
Human clinical trials have shown that consumption of dietary fibers lowered the incidence of colorectal cancer. The studies even revealed that the left side of the large intestine (the colon) received the most protective benefit from dietary fiber consumption.
- Strengthening immune system
For a perfectly healthy person without any history of chronic diseases, probably the most important thing to do is maintaing that condition. This is done by keeping the immune system at its optimal level at all times.Â
Rice bran has an immunostimulant effect, which means it modulates the immune system with the help of antioxidant compounds of physterols, sterolins and gamma-oryzanol. That’s the best health benefits of rice bran syrup. You may also read about Birch Sap Water Benefits for Health
- Helping to keep in shape
The dietary fiber in rice bran has a nutritional benefit for maintaing a fit weight and increasing satiety. This, in return, helps preventing you from over-eating as you will easily feel your stomach is already full. In face, rice bran has been demonstrated to be used as a stamina supplement by body builders and athelets to maintain high level of energy but remaining to be physically fit.
- Slowing down aging
As if protecting from chronic diseases is not impressive enough, rice bran apparently has wondrous effects on cosmetic and personal care. The biological component, oryzanol, possesses protective feature against ultraviolet (UV) light, validating it as a potent sunscreen agent.
Oryzanol also contain ferulic acid and its esters, that function to stimulate hair growth and delay skin ageing. Another substance in rice bran, which is tocotrienol, also provides skin care benefits. When applied to skin, it penetrates the layers and gets absorbed quickly. You may also read about Health Benefits of Collagen Drink
It is believed to have antioxidant property that can fight the free radicals that build up upon exposure to UV rays, therefore provide protection to the skin from damage and ageing.
- Safe for everyone
Concerned that it might not suit you? Rice bran is a natural source of diet. It is known to be lactose-free, gluten-free and hypoallergenic. This implies that it is suitable for everyone presenting with variable conditions to gain benefits of rice bran.Â
Medical Uses of Rice Bran Syrup
There are many health benefits of rice bran syrup. According to scientific research recommendations, 12-84 grams of rice bran per day or 4.8 grams of rice bran oil per day is the suggested dose for lowering blood cholestrols.
Potential Side Effects
Although rice has been proven to supply rich health benefits, it comes with health warnings. Consumption of increased amount of rice bran in your diet may lead to unpredictabl bowel movements, intestinal gas and stomach discomfort during the first few weeks, especially if you are just at the beginning of the routine.
Eating rice bran is not recommended for people with digestive problems, such as intestinal ulcers in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), intestinal adhesions and blockage, and slow digestion. This is due to the high content of fiber that is found in rice bran.
Also, remember that this large amount of fiber may interact with your current consumed medications, as it may decrease the amount of drugs that the body absorbs. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to take rice bran at least one hour after you take your usual medication.
As it is known to have healthy skin application, it is best to be aware that it may also cause skin redness and itching. When the bran is extracted from improper rice that is infested with a pest called the straw itch mite, you may experience rash and itching. However, the report on this is extremely rare.