Rice Bran Benefits & Side Effects

Rice bran has been the subject of many studies recently for many disease preventing and health benefits. Rice bran may be helpful in many conditions including cancer, fatty liver, kidney stones and heart disease. As with most things, some drawbacks may also lurk.

Significance

Rice bran may prove to be effective in lowering cholesterol. It also reduces gastric acids, preventing many stomach ailments and digestive distresses.

Considerations

Rice bran contains similar nutrients and properties found in many anti-oxidants. These proponents fight off damaging free radicals that can cause a host of problems including cancers.

Benefits

Rice bran is rich in fiber, and fiber fights colon disease and many intestinal disorders. Fiber is also essential in any weight loss program. Rice bran is also a good source of plant-based protein.

Potential

The March 8, 2006 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society, reported that Japanese scientists found that rice bran dramatically lowered blood pressure in rats. Rats’ hypertension levels significantly resembles that of humans, and the studies are hopeful for proving rice bran’s effectiveness on human blood pressure levels.

Warnings

Several unsubstantiated claims have been made about rice bran’s benefits. The FDA has filed a suit against Lane Labs for claims made about rice bran’s effectiveness against cancer, AIDS and other diseases