It is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which have several health benefits. Among others, rice bran contains 10%–23% oil, constituting the major bioactive elements of the bran. The aim of this work is therefore to evaluate rice bran oil obtained from Ethiopian small-scale rice-milling plants for suitability of human consumption.
What is rice bran?
Technol., 19 October 2022 Rice bran is one of the main byproducts of rice-processing industries, making approximately 10% of the total mass of rice kernels. It is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which have several health benefits. Among others, rice bran contains 10%–23% oil, constituting the major bioactive elements of the bran.
How is rice bran stabilized?
The rice bran was stabilized using microwave heating to inactivate endogenous lipase enzymes that would otherwise cause rancidity of the oil and render it inedible. The oil was then extracted and evaluated for its physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity using standard methods.
How is rice bran extracted?
Relatively good quality rice was purchased, and the bran was collected through the bran outlet pipe. The rice bran was immediately packed in polypropylene zipper top bags and kept in ice box (2–5°C) and microwave-stabilized. Oil extraction and characterization were then carried out.
Is rice bran oil physicochemical?
The result of the work confirmed that the rice bran oil from Ethiopian rice-milling plants has physicochemical characteristics that satisfy the acceptable threshold values set by various organizations.
Why is rice bran not suitable for human consumption?
Rice bran contains endogenous lipase enzymes that hydrolyze oil into glycerol and free fatty acids in the presence of high temperatures, oxygen, and metal ions, making it unsuitable for human consumption. To overcome this problem, rice bran has to be stabilized before 6 hours of milling ( Hoogenkamp, 2008 ).