ABSTRACT
Animal and human studies show cholesterol-lowering from a hypercholesterolemic status with rice bran, with reductions occurring usually in the low-density lipoprotein fraction. Unpolished rice showed a repressive effect on serum cholesterol and triglyceride elevations in adult males compared with those fed polished rice; the beneficial effect was attributed to the dietary fiber of the unpolished rice. Specific rice bran fractions showing hypocholesterolemic activity include rice bran oil, unsaponifiable matter, and protein. Possible mechanisms for cholesterol-lowering with rice bran include interference with absorption/reabsorption of dietary and/or endogenous lipid in the gastrointestinal tract and increased excretion of bile acids, which results in utilization of more cholesterol for bile acid synthesis. The popularity of the new rice bran products is encouraging and expected to continue with health-conscious consumers. Incentives are needed for the rice industry to increase the production and availability of stabilized rice bran for its incorporation into more healthful, value-added foods for human consumption.
