Rice husk: what do we know about this product?
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Rice husk - or bran - has always been considered a waste that was thrown away or fed to animals after processing the rice. But new research has shown that rice bran is very healthy: they are rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Scientists from the American University of Colorado recommend to enter the rice husks in the daily diet of proper nutrition.
"Only twenty-eight grams of rice bran can provide half of the daily human need for vitamins. In the husks there are necessary to a healthy person vitamins of group B, as well as thiamine and niacin. Bran are an inexpensive source of quality fiber and healthy fatty acids. Bran deserve to occupy the main place on our table, but not to feed cattle, "says Dr. Elizabeth Ryan, one of the initiators of the study.
During the study of the properties of rice specialists involved a method that in the circles of scientists is called food metabolomics. This method involves the use of a sophisticated biochemical mechanism of spectrometry, helping to determine and evaluate the molecular composition of food.
Investigating several varieties of rice growing in America, scientists found more than 450 metabolites, as well as 65 compounds that can have therapeutic and prophylactic effects. Sixteen metabolic substances were never detected before.
"Useful properties of rice husks are not subject to doubt. We studied the various components responsible for the medicinal ability of bran. It is noteworthy, but the vitamin and amino acid composition is half of the entire low molecular weight composition of bran, "Dr. Ryan shares his impressions.
Further study of rice made it possible to discover that the husks of the grains have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hypotensive properties. Bran can be up to 15% protein, which helps to satisfy hunger and serve as a building material for many tissues.
According to nutritionists, the most useful constituents of rice grains are the embryonic part and the husks. These parts contain a huge amount of antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids. Bran can stabilize blood glucose levels, and also support men's health.
"Rice is grown and consumed in most countries of the world. Rice plantations are available in hundreds of countries. If you use bran rice with intelligence, you can provide everyone who needs valuable vitamins and trace elements, "the doctor summarizes. Indeed, during each year in the world more than six hundred million tons of rice "wealth" is collected.
Scientists say: if doctors and patients had full information about the beneficial properties of rice bran, this cheap and affordable medicine would help to strengthen health to a huge number of people: especially if we take into account the world scale of rice fields.
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