Rice bran is the hard outer layer of rice grains that can be left intact and milled along with the rest of the grain to produce brown rice. The bran is not the same thing as the rice husk, which is not used as a food source. Rice brain can also be separated from the rice and milled to create a source of fibre, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. In fact, the rice bran contains over 60% of the nutrients contained in rice. The remaining grain after the bran is removed is commonly known as white rice.

Fibre
Rice bran is an excellent source of fibre, with 2 Tbsp containing 4g of dietary fibre. The health benefits of fibre have been well established. It can be used to treat: high cholesterol, constipation, gallstones, and diabetes. It can also help with weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and prevent cancer, particularly colon cancer. For more information on the benefits of fibre, please click here. Rice bran has been found to be equally as effective as oat bran for lowering high cholesterol as well. It has also been shown to help prevent stomach cancer. Because rice bran can help to prevent the proper absorption of calcium, it can also be used to help prevent the formation of calcium kidney stones. This type of fibre can also bind toxins present in the gut and help to detoxify the body.

Oil
The oil made from rice bran is popular as health-improving oil in Japan, Asia and India. It can be applied to the skin as a moisturizer that can also treat eczema and allergic dermatitis. When ingested, the oil in rice bran may be able to help reduce cholesterol absorption and increase its elimination.

Rancidification
The high oil content in the bran leaves it vulnerable to going rancid over time. This was originally why it was separated from the rest of the rice grain before storage. Storing rice bran and rice bran oil in the refrigerator will help to slow this process and keep it fresh for longer. Many supplements are processed in a way to help preserve these fats from rancidification.

How can I take rice bran?
Rice bran can be found in a number of different supplements in a powder or capsule form. It can be used alone or found in combination supplements such as those for weight loss, cholesterol lowering or proper bowel function. Rice bran can be taken between 12 and 84 grams a day to have cholesterol-lowering effects. Be sure to drink sufficient water when taking any fibre supplement to allow for proper colon function and prevent bowel obstruction. Rice bran oil can be used topically as needed or taken orally at 5g per day.