Is Rice Bran Oil Good for Diabetes? Is It A Safer Choice? Let’s Find Out!!

Rice bran oil improves insulin resistance, promotes heart health and is loaded with antioxidants. But is rice bran oil good for diabetes? Is it safe to use rice bran oil for diabetes?

Learn about the benefits of rice bran oil for diabetes, it’s possible risks and how you can incorporate it into your healthy diabetic diet. 

 

Rice Bran Oil: Nutritional Profile

One tablespoon of rice bran oil contains 120 calories and 13.6g of fat. Similar to canola and olive oil, rice bran oil contains high levels of unsaturated fat. 

1 tablespoon (14 g) of rice bran oil contains the following nutrition:

Saturated Fat: 2.7 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 0 mg

Potassium: 0 mg

Total Carbohydrates: 0g

Calories: 120

Fat: 13.6 g

 

It is also a rich source of vitamins E and K. With high levels of antioxidants like tocotrienols, plant sterols, and oryzanol, rice bran oil can significantly help maintain blood sugar levels. 

Advantages of Rice Bran Oil for Diabetes

• Rice bran oil contains antioxidants like tocotrienols, plant sterols, and oryzanol, attacking free radicals and lowering the blood’s lipid (fat) content. 
• These compounds support healthy blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance, where cells do not respond to insulin, the hormone responsible for transporting glucose, resulting in increased sugar levels.

Ways To Consume Rice Bran Oil For Diabetes

Rice bran oil is versatile and can be used in cooked and raw preparations. Having a smoking point of 490℉ makes it ideal for high-heat preparations too.

1. Stir-fry: 

Use rice bran oil to stir-fry your favorite vegetables or protein on high heat to give them a nice, crunchy texture.

2. Deep-fry: 

Give your deep-frying a twist by mixing rice bran oil with an earthy, more nutty oil like peanut oil.

3. Salad Dressing: 

Use the beautiful mixture of peanut and rice bran oils as a dressing over your favorite salad.

Best Time To Consume Rice Bran Oil For Diabetes

Since there is no set time for consuming rice bran oil, you should ideally use one tablespoon of rice bran oil whenever you are cooking. If you’re unsure about the right amount, consult a nutritionist.

Risks of Over Consuming Rice Bran Oil For Diabetes 

While rice bran oil is safe for most people, its overconsumption has few risks. Over Consumption may cause:

• Stomach discomfort
• Intestinal gas
• Unpredictable bowel movements
• Inflamed skin and irritation
• Blockage of the digestive tract
• Abdominal cramps
• Intestinal cramps

 

NOTE: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should speak to a doctor before consuming it.

Other Health Benefits of Rice Bran Oil

• Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases like strokes and heart attacks
• It contains oryzanol and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which decrease overall cholesterol levels
• Reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) levels
• Tocotrienols hinder the growth of various types of cancer cells. 
• Reduces bad breath
• Enhances immune response to different foreign substances
• Improves skin firmness, elasticity, and strength

Don’t Have Time To Read?

• Rice bran oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and vitamins E and K.
• Rice bran oil is rich in antioxidants like tocotrienols, plant sterols, and oryzanol which lower the fat content in the blood and reduce insulin resistance, maintaining blood sugar levels.
• Use one tablespoon of rice bran oil whenever you cook, to stir-fry or deep-fry or as a salad dressing.
• Overconsumption can cause stomach and intestinal discomfort, cramps, ulcers, digestive tract blockage, inflamed skin, irritation, etc.
• Rice bran oil lowers cholesterol levels and risk of cardiovascular diseases, improves skin health, enhances immune response, helps suppress cancer cell growth, and reduces bad breath.

Also Read: Is Coconut Oil Good for Diabetes

Common FAQs

Is Rice Bran Oil Good For Diabetes?

Yes, rice bran oil is good for diabetes because it is high in healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants which lower overall cholesterol. In addition, it contains vitamins and antioxidants that are essential for lowering insulin resistance. 

Does Rice Bran Oil Spike Insulin Levels?

Yes, research suggests that using rice bran oil for diabetes management increases insulin levels, which promote the breakdown and metabolizing of glucose, leading to lower blood sugar levels. 

What Are The Disadvantages of Rice Bran Oil?

Rice bran oil is generally suitable for diabetes unless consumed excessively. Overconsumption can cause abdominal and intestinal cramps, ulcers, irregular bowel movements, etc.

What Are The Side Effects of Rice Bran Oil?

• Abdominal discomfort and cramps
• Intestinal gas
• Unpredictable bowel movements
• Inflamed skin and irritation
• Blockage of the digestive tract
• Intestinal cramps

Which oil is Best For Diabetes: Rice Bran/Sunflower?

Both oils are healthy and have a high smoke point, making them ideal for frying. Since both are rich in vitamins and healthy fats, it is entirely up to your culinary choice. 

Which Oil is Best For People With Diabetes?

There are many healthy oils out there. For example, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, and canola oil are some healthy oils that help control your blood sugar levels.