Rice Article: Philippines

Amazing Rice Bran
By Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit
The Philippine Star, November 12, 2002

Rice means different things to different people. To most Filipinos, it is a staple. It is one's major source of energy. To others, it is the first thing to cut or avoid to reduce their girth. Whatever the sentiments, no study can discount the major benefits of rice bran touted to be the most nutritious food on earth!

According to the book Can We Stop Aging? by Dr. Lynn Anderson, family members in India gather the freshly hulled rice bran and feed it to the ill because of its healing powers. "Unfortunately, because of the milling process and the release of the lipase enzyme, the rice bran would turn rancid within hours. This was a terrible waste on one of nature's truly healing products," Dr. Anderson said.

What Is Rice Bran?

Rice bran, the outer coating of the rice kernel, is removed from the white portion of rice in a process known as polishing. Polishing breaks up the coating into smaller particles, which begin to oxidize almost immediately. This is when it becomes rancid.

Fortunately, scientists discovered a revolutionary stabilization method which now turns the rice bran into what is considered to be the world's "Superfood for a New Millennium." Rice bran contains nutrients that enable the body to heal itself of illness and reverse disease.

In the early 1980s, the United Sates Department of Agriculture developed a process that effectively deactivated the enzyme in the rice bran oil that contributed most to its degradation. Reports claim that as of 2001 there are two plants in the United States that effectively stabilize rice bran using identical equipment in a non-chemical process. Virtually all stabilized rice bran on the American market being used in any product originates from this single source.

Stabilized Rice Bran (SRB) is one of the richest sources of B-complex vitamins found in nature and includes all the essential fatty acids necessary to maintain a healthy diet. This delicious, perfect food contains all the vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids that you require for vibrant health, incredible energy, and disease prevention.

Clinical studies and an abundance of personal testimonials show that stabilized rice bran, along with a low-fat diet and daily exercise, may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, aid in the control of blood glucose, correct hypoglycemic headaches, control cancer-causing free-radicals, turn fat into energy, and help control Diabetes Mellitus Types I and II in many individuals.

Surprising Benefits

Nutritional scientists have proven that carbohydrates, combined with gamma oryzanol, boosts stamina, strength, and energy. SRB is abundant in both of these key ingredients. Athletes find this combination to be a powerful edge for their workouts and enhanced sports performance.

One of the most astounding results of SRB currently under study is the effect on blood glucose and insulin levels in those with Diabetes Mellitus Types I and II. Reports indicate that rice bran can aid in the regulation of glucose levels. This is not a cure but many diabetics can now have blood sugar levels "under control" for the first time in their lives.

SRB research also indicates a lowering of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), and an increase of HDL ("good" cholesterol). Some studies also show the regulation of blood sugar for individuals with hypoglycemia.

High blood pressure, when combined with high cholesterol, can lead to heart disease and/or heart attack. Vitamin E, present in SRB, has been linked to the reduction of heart attack risk.

As would be expected when feeding the body complete nutrition, users experience a reduction of cravings for junk food and fillers that add weight without contributing to health. Hence, weight loss is a by-product for those prone to obesity due to a nutrition-poor diet.

Free Radical Fighter

One of the most amazing discoveries to come out of SRB research is the abundant and effective group of antioxidants found in the bran. Some of which are 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin E! There are at least 74 different antioxidants found to date in SRB, which makes this superfood unequaled by any other product on the market.

Antioxidants are substances which attack "free radicals" or molecules dangerous to the body's health and which contribute to degenerative diseases associated with aging. SRB's superabundance of antioxidants promotes optimum health and longevity.

Since it is overflowing with antioxidants, it comes as no surprise to find that SRB is a powerful fortifier of the body's immune system. Rice bran also contains all the essential amino acids vital for producing red and white blood cells which strengthen the immune system.

Fantastic Acid

Lipoic acid produces energy in muscles and is an important part of the antioxidant system. It unlocks energy from food and directs calories into energy production and away from fat production.

Lipoic acid also stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces the damage done to the body by excess sugar. The latter condition (or glycation) leads to accelerated aging, heart disease, and diabetes complications.

Cigarette smoking, pollutants, sunlight, radiation, and even emotional stress can create free radicals and cause free radical chain reactions. Antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and lipoic acid act as free radical scavengers in the body. They "eat up" the free radicals before the free radicals damage the body at the cellular level.

Lipoic acid also protects the liver and detoxifies tissues of heavy metals such as excessive iron and copper and the toxic heavy metals cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Super Food Formula

It is almost incredible that a simple food can be so loaded and power-packed with almost all important nutrients.

Stabilized Rice Bran contains complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. It has B complex vitamins required for energy metabolism. There are essential fatty acids necessary for healthy skin and cells and tocopherols or full spectrum vitamin E antioxidants.

It contains tocotrienols that enhances the immune system. Lipoic acid for improved carbohydrate metabolism and gamma oryzanol for fat metabolism are present. The powerful antioxidant co-enzyme Q10 as well as phytotesterols (natural phytonutrients) and carotenoids are abundant.

Dr. Anderson, who is a certified fitness instructor and a faculty member of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and American Fitness and Athletic Association (AFAA), personally takes a stabilized rice bran.