Rice bran oil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rice bran oil

Bottle of rice bran oil
Fat composition
Saturated fats
Total saturated	25% Myristic: 0.6% Palmitic: 21.5% Stearic: 2.9%
Unsaturated fats
Total unsaturated	75%
Monounsaturated	38%
Oleic acid	38%
Polyunsaturated	37%
Omega-3 fatty acids	α-Linolenic: 2.2%
Omega-6 fatty acids	Linoleic: 34.4%
Properties
Food energy per 100 g (3.5 oz)	3,700 kJ (880 kcal)
Smoke point	232 °C (450 °F)
Iodine value	99-108
Acid value	1.2
Saponification value	180-190
Unsaponifiable	3-5

Rice bran oil is a type of vegetable oil made from the outer brown layer of rice, called the bran. It's known for being able to get very hot without burning, reaching 232 °C (450 °F). This makes it great for cooking methods that use high heat, like stir frying and deep frying. Many people in places like India, Japan, and Malaysia use it for cooking.

What is Rice Bran Oil Made Of?

Rice bran oil is similar to peanut oil in what it's made of. It has different kinds of fatty acids. About 38% are monounsaturated fats, 37% are polyunsaturated fats, and 25% are saturated fats.

Special Parts of Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil contains a special compound called γ-oryzanol. This compound makes up about 2% of the oil. It was once thought to be just one thing, but now we know it's a mix of different helpful substances. The oil also has tocopherols and tocotrienols, which are types of vitamin E, and phytosterols.

Types of Fats in Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil has several important fatty acids:

• Oleic acid: This is a type of omega-9 fatty acid. It makes up about 38.4% of the oil.
• Linoleic acid: This is an omega-6 fatty acid. It makes up about 34.4% of the oil.
• α-Linolenic acid: This is an omega-3 fatty acid. It makes up about 2.2% of the oil.
• Other fats include Palmitic acid (about 21.5%), Stearic acid (about 2.9%), and Myristic acid (about 0.6%).

Health Benefits

Studies have shown that eating rice bran oil can help lower levels of bad cholesterol in your body. It can also help reduce the amount of triglycerides, which are another type of fat in the blood.

How is Rice Bran Oil Used?

Rice bran oil is mostly used for cooking. You can use it for frying, baking, and many other ways to prepare food. It is also used to make some types of vegetable ghee, which is a cooking fat.

The wax that comes from rice bran oil, called Rice bran wax, can be used instead of other waxes in things like cosmetics, candies, shoe polish, and cleaning products.

The special compound γ-oryzanol from rice bran oil is sometimes sold as a dietary supplement in many countries.

How Does it Compare to Other Oils?

Properties of vegetable oils