Hyderabad 21st April 2023: As a preview to 7th International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO)-2023 by the International Association of Rice Bran Oil (IARBO) a panel discussion was organized to educate the general public about the benefits of Rice Bran Oil. Shri Ashok Sethia, President IARBO, Shri Ajay Jhunjhunwala, President SEA, Dr. Prabodh Halde, Convener ICRBO & Head-Technical Regulatory Affairs, M/S Marico Ltd, Dr. Riantong Singanusong, Assistant Professor, Narsuam University, Thailand, Dr. Sheryl Salis, Registered Dietitian(RD), Certified Diabetes Educator ,Insulin Pump Specialist and Founder -Nurture Health Solutions, Dr. Rohini Sharma, Ph. D. Food Science and Nutrition, Consultant Food Technologist, Consultant Nutritionist and Life Coach, and Dr. B.V. Mehta, Executive Director, SEA participated in the discussion . The panellists discussed about the origin and developments in the field of Rice Bran oil and the health benefits of using Rice Bran Oil in everyday cooking. They demystified the myths surrounding the Rice bran oil and highlighted the benefits of the oil for Indian Consumption.
Experts concluded that Rice Bran Oil is an Indian healthy oil ideal for daily use in local Kitchens. The oil is enriched with Gamma- Oryzanol – a wonder antioxidant that helps reduce bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol thereby making ‘Heart Healthy’ besides helping to increase the metabolic rate. It has a high smoking point making it suitable for deep frying retaining the nutrients like Oryzanol offering a neutral taste and less viscosity. ( it feels light and is absorbed less, making it ideal for daily cooking)
According to experts, rice bran oil is a great alternative to other cooking oils . It was discussed that rice bran oil has the ability to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve digestion. The experts also discussed the versatility of rice bran oil as it can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, salads, and baked goods. It’s mild flavour and light texture make it a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike. In addition to its health benefits, rice bran oil is also environmentally friendly, as it is made from a by-product of rice production. This makes it a sustainable and ethical choice for consumers who are looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Speaking about the Nutritionist’s perspective on Rice Bran Oil, Dr. Rohini Sharma, Ph. D. Food Science and Nutrition, Consultant Food Technologist, Consultant Nutritionist and Life Coach added, “ Rice Bran Oil in day to day cooking . It is a very healthy oil and more people should know the benefits of using the Rice Bran Oil. Rice Bran Oil has a balanced fatty profile with PUFA and MUFA in the ratio of 1:1, and very low saturated fatty acids. It is rich in nutraceuticals – Oryzanol, tocopherol, and tocotrienols which are natural Antioxidants. Gamma–Oryzanol present in Rice Bran Oil reduces Bad Cholesterol (LDL) and maintains Good Cholesterol (HDL) . We all should shift towards making a healthier choice in our kitchen by switching to Rice bran oil .”
Adding to this, Dr. Sheryl Salis, Registered Dietitian(RD), Certified Diabetes Educator , Insulin Pump Specialist, and Founder -of Nurture Health Solutions, said, “ We recommend people to use Rice Bran Oil, as it is Made in India and ideally suited to our Indian palate. The National Institution of Nutrition (NIN), ICMR, WHO, and several heart organizations have regularly promoted the use of Rice Bran Oil. In clinical practice, we are witnessing a lot of young people suffering from diabetes and heart diseases. We are constantly copying Western countries and are not focusing on our own products like Rice bran oil .”
Adding to this Shri Ashok Sethia, President IARBO, said, “Rice Bran Oil is well known for its nutritional benefits. IARBO was formed to fix International standards and promote Commerce and Trade, promote research, and sponsor training program and nutritional research on Rice Bran Oil. This conference (ICBRO) is organized for the last 10 years across different countries to spread awareness, encourage research and promote Rice Bran Oil.”
Adding to this Shri Ajay Jhunjhunwala, President SEA said, “India is the 2nd largest producer of Rice and the largest producer of Rice Bran Oil in the world. India has an average per capita consumption of 15-16Kg of edible oil. India consumes 24 Mn Tonnes of edible oil (all variants) with almost 10 Mn Tonnes being exported. Today India consumes 1 Mn Tonnes of Rice Bran oil, an ‘Indian Oil’ whereas we have the capacity to produce 1.9 Mn Tonnes. If the consumption of Rice Bran Oil increases in India, and other nutraceutical benefits are accepted by people in India, we will be able to use the capacity. This will hugely benefit the farmers and rice bran oil manufacturers.”
Overall, the panel discussion highlighted the many health benefits of rice bran oil, and emphasized its potential for improving overall health and well-being. The experts encouraged consumers to try incorporating rice bran oil into their diet and to explore its many uses and benefits.
