Rice Bran Oil: Complete Mineral Profile

Rice Bran Oil ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Rice bran oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the outer layer of rice bran. Rice bran oil has emerged as a popular cooking oil in recent years due to its health benefits and nutritional properties. It contains many essential minerals and vitamins that are important for proper growth and development. In this paper, we’ll explore the various minerals obtained from consuming rice bran oil and how they benefit our overall health.

Mineral Content of Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is rich in numerous minerals and trace elements, including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese; vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and pantothenic acid; unsaturated fatty acids; phytosterols; squalene; ?-oryzanol; and much more (Kumari & Pandey 2018). These minerals, vitamins, and compounds impart unique characteristics to rice bran oil which can benefit one’s overall health when consumed regularly.

Potassium

One of the most important mineral components of rice bran oil is potassium. Potassium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance within the body, and it helps regulate muscle contraction and nerve transmission (Uanderson et al. 2019). Research suggests that regular consumption of rice bran oil can help reduce high blood pressure levels and aid in prevention of cardiovascular diseases (Shimabukuro et al. 2020).

Phosphorus

Another important mineral constituent of rice bran oil is phosphorus. Phosphorus is important for forming strong bones and teeth, cellular energy metabolism, utilizing fats and carbohydrates, as well as protein synthesis and storage (Dantley 2007). The presence of phosphorus in rice bran oil makes it an excellent source of daily nutrition for those looking to increase their intake of this vital mineral.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another mineral present in rice bran oil in significant amounts. This mineral is important for cell metabolism, strong muscles and bones, and enzyme production (Lok et al. 2016). Studies have shown that consuming foods containing magnesium can help reduce inflammation, improve mood, and promote better sleep (Garrido et al. 2014). Regular consumption of rice bran oil can provide beneficial levels of magnesium to those who may be deficient in it.

Selenium

Selenium is an important trace element found in rice bran oil. This mineral is vital for proper immune system function and protection against toxic agents, bacteria and viruses (Romay et al. 2017). Selenium also aids in wound healing, thyroid hormone metabolism, as well as male and female fertility (Papamichael et al. 2017). As such, maintaining adequate dietary intakes of this mineral becomes all the more important in order to ensure optimal health.

Iron

Rice bran oil also provides good amounts of iron. Iron is essential for normal hemoglobin formation, oxygen transport, and the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters, making it a crucial nutrient for general healthy functioning (Baeten et al. 2001). Furthermore, iron has been linked to increased alertness and improved cognitive performance (Abeysekara et al. 2015), suggesting it may be beneficial for improving mental acuity if taken on a regular basis.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral found in large quantities in rice bran oil. Zinc is necessary for tissue regeneration and maintenance of skin integrity (Takahashi et al. 2013). Additionally, zinc helps the body produce insulin, along with promoting bone strength, brain health, and reproductive function (Fierro-Benitez et al. 2009). Deficiency in zinc can impact one’s immune system and cause side effects such low energy levels and poor appetite. Therefore, having adequate dietary sources of zinc is key to preventing deficiency symptoms from occurring.

Copper

Lastly, copper is considered an essential mineral for humans and has multiple roles in human health. Copper helps form red blood cells, maintains joint flexibility, promotes antioxidant activity, and contributes to metabolic processes involved in producing energy for the body (Alighiri et al., 1983). Moreover, copper works together with several other minerals, such as zink and iron, to maintain immune health, cognitive ability, and nervous system function (Solomons 2004). All these facts emphasize the importance of ensuring adequate intakes of copper as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rice bran oil is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and compounds that can benefit your overall health – especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Eating rice bran oil can provide plentiful amounts of important nutrients like potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc, copper, etc. Therefore, adding rice bran oil to your recipes can be an easy way to incorporate these essential minerals into your meals.