Rice Bran Lowers Blood Cholesterol
In just 6 weeks, rice bran added to a normal diet reduced cholesterol levels by 8% in the first U.S. research study on its effect on humans, said Dr. Ann Gerhardt, the UC Davis professor that conducted the study. “These studies prove without a doubt that rice bran can help reduce cholesterol levels in some individuals with moderately high cholesterol levels. “ Gerhardt said the study showed that rice bran was effective in reducing the blood level of low density lipoprotein, the “bad” cholesterol that promotes the accumulation of cholesterol on artery walls…without affecting the high density lipoproteins, the “good” cholesterol that carries cholesterol away from the tissues and artery walls.
San Francisco Examiner, November 2, 1989
What’s in Stabilized Rice Bran?
Stabilized rice bran is a relatively new entrant in the nutritional field, and it is rapidly accumulating an impressive body of positive results from laboratory research and clinical trials. It is one of the most potent and accessible sources of a complex mix of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Consuming a functional food like rice bran, which contains a complex, natural mix of phytonutrients, is in your better health interest than taking these same substances in isolated, extracted forms as they are found in many supplements.
At least 107 antioxidants in rice bran have been identified so far. This is significant because antioxidants perform better in teams. Among many benefits, antioxidants prevent cancer by preventing free radical damage to cell DNA, and aiding in cell regulation and cellular signaling.
Some of the antioxidants included in this powerful food include Vitamin E, Gamma Oryzanol, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Stabilized rice bran products are also good sources of antioxidant enzymes, phytosterols, trace minerals, fiber, Vitamin B, carotenoids, amino acids and essential fatty acids, and are hypoallergenic as well!
Big benefits from vitamin E
The Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin E is 15 milligrams. American adults average 8 to 12. Registered dietitians say adding vitamin E from food could help fight many diseases:
* Heart disease. Vitamin E can help prevent or delay heart disease. It limits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and helps prevent formation of blood clots.
* Cancer. Vitamin E protects against certain cancers by boosting the immune system.
* Alzheimer's disease. When selenium is added to vitamin E, glutathione is produced. This excellent antioxidant may protect you from atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
* Diabetes: Eating foods that contain vitamin E helps diabetics fight the large amounts of free radicals in their blood.
In addition to Nutritional Essentials Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans, whole grains, organ meats, seafood, eggs, avocados, and most ready-to-eat cereals. Two teaspoons of peanut butter contain three milligrams of E.
