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Rice husk: what do we know about this product?
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Rice husks, or bran, have historically been considered waste, thrown away or fed to animals after rice is processed. But new research has shown that rice bran has many health benefits: it is rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Scientists from the American University of Colorado recommend introducing rice husks into the daily diet of healthy eating.
"Just twenty-eight grams of rice bran can provide half of the daily human need for vitamins. The husk contains the B vitamins necessary for a healthy person, as well as thiamine and niacin. Bran is an inexpensive source of high-quality fiber and healthy fatty acids. Bran deserves to occupy a central place on our tables, but not to be fed to cattle," says Dr. Elizabeth Ryan, one of the initiators of the study.
When studying the properties of rice, the specialists used a method known in scientific circles as food metabolomics. This method involves the use of a complex biochemical spectrometry mechanism that helps to determine and evaluate the molecular composition of food.
By studying several varieties of rice grown in America, scientists found more than 450 metabolites, as well as 65 compounds that may have a therapeutic and preventive effect. Sixteen metabolic substances had never been discovered before.
"The beneficial properties of rice husk are beyond doubt. We have studied various components responsible for the medicinal properties of bran. Remarkably, the vitamin and amino acid composition is half of the entire low-molecular composition of bran," Dr. Ryan shares his impressions.
Further study of rice revealed that the husk of the grain has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hypotensive properties. Bran can contain 15% proteins, which help to satisfy hunger and serve as building material for many tissues.
According to nutritionists, the most useful components of rice grain are the germ part and the husk. These parts contain a huge amount of antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids. Bran can stabilize blood glucose levels and support men's health.
"Rice is grown and consumed in most countries of the world. Rice plantations are found in hundreds of countries. If you use rice bran wisely, you can provide everyone in need with valuable vitamins and microelements," the doctor summarizes. Indeed, more than six hundred million tons of rice "wealth" are collected in the world each year.
Scientists say that if doctors and patients had full information about the beneficial properties of rice bran, this cheap and accessible medicine could help improve the health of a huge number of people: especially considering the global scale of rice fields.
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