As if we weren’t confused enough that to add to the misleading information comes one more entry…. Rice Bran Oil , whose fan following is increasing by the day by terming it ‘Heart Healthy’
Why this new chick on the block has failed to impress me? Well understanding this wouldn’t be half as difficult if we are clear about the parts of a seed. All grains have similar parts- the germ holds all the oil and is the source of food to the plant. The germ is removed during the process of flour making (we all know oil goes rancid n if germ is part of the flour it will make the flour go rancid too, so shorter shelf -life, common sense, right?)
The Bran is nothing but the fibre; it has nothing to do with oil or fat.
You guessed it, so my question is where does Rice Bran oil get extracted from when there is no oil in the bran?
In reality it is extracted from the inner husk and germ of grain. With one part solved, lets get to the next one now….
Not only is the source significant but equally important is the process of oil extraction, simply because the quality characteristics of the final product depend both on the source and the processing it undergoes.
This oil is extracted using solvents which are later evaporated off. Various other chemical steps are followed for neutralizing, bleaching, winterisation and de-odourisation and the oil is subjected to high temperatures during the extraction phase prior to the filtration.
With so much happening, the oil looses all its natural goodness !
Now if all the natural goodness is lost my second question is how on earth a composition of chemicals can be ‘Heart Healthy’?
Next time you buy any oil, read the food label. This will give you details of the source, extraction process and ingredients in it. You will then be able to judge for yourself if it really is all that it claims for and if advertisements are worth believing!
Be Informed and Live Healthy!
