Hyderabad: As health and wellness take centre stage in everyday choices, even the simplest kitchen staples are being viewed through a more mindful lens. Cooking oil—once considered just a medium for frying—has now become a choice that can impact our well-being. Among the emerging health-conscious options, rice bran oil is gaining recognition not only for its culinary versatility but also for its science-backed benefits that support heart health and overall well-being.

Rice bran oil, a storehouse of nutrients is extracted from the outer brown layer of the rice grain. Experts have noticed its remarkable effect on cholesterol levels. With the right ratio of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, rice bran oil helps reduce LDL (the bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (the good cholesterol). Just a simple switch in cooking oil can gradually lower cholesterol by up to 7% and reduce heart-related risks by 2.7%.The compounds like γ-oryzanol and tocotrienols, rice bran oil acts as a silent warrior against harmful cell growth. Lab studies have shown that these naturally occurring antioxidants can block harmful enzymes. 

Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, senior gastroenterologist and Chairman of AIG Hospitals, who was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, recently highlighted rice bran oil’s benefits comparing it with olive oil. He noted that rice bran oil contains high levels of gamma oryzanol, which helps in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Freedom Rice Bran Oil, consumers today are making more informed choices about what goes into their meals.