According to the book Can We Stop Aging? by Dr. Lynn Anderson, family members in India gather the freshly hulled rice bran and feed it to the ill because of its healing powers. "Unfortunately, because of the milling process and the release of the lipase enzyme, the rice bran would turn rancid within hours. This was a terrible waste on one of nature’s truly healing products," Dr. Anderson said.
Fortunately, scientists discovered a revolutionary stabilization method which now turns the rice bran into what is considered to be the world’s "Superfood for a New Millennium." Rice bran contains nutrients that enable the body to heal itself of illness and reverse disease.
In the early 1980s, the United Sates Department of Agriculture developed a process that effectively deactivated the enzyme in the rice bran oil that contributed most to its degradation. Reports claim that as of 2001 there are two plants in the United States that effectively stabilize rice bran using identical equipment in a non-chemical process. Virtually all stabilized rice bran on the American market being used in any product originates from this single source.
Stabilized Rice Bran (SRB) is one of the richest sources of B-complex vitamins found in nature and includes all the essential fatty acids necessary to maintain a healthy diet. This delicious, perfect food contains all the vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids that you require for vibrant health, incredible energy, and disease prevention.
Clinical studies and an abundance of personal testimonials show that stabilized rice bran, along with a low-fat diet and daily exercise, may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, aid in the control of blood glucose, correct hypoglycemic headaches, control cancer-causing free-radicals, turn fat into energy, and help control Diabetes Mellitus Types I and II in many individuals.
One of the most astounding results of SRB currently under study is the effect on blood glucose and insulin levels in those with Diabetes Mellitus Types I and II. Reports indicate that rice bran can aid in the regulation of glucose levels. This is not a cure but many diabetics can now have blood sugar levels "under control" for the first time in their lives.
SRB research also indicates a lowering of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), and an increase of HDL ("good" cholesterol). Some studies also show the regulation of blood sugar for individuals with hypoglycemia.
High blood pressure, when combined with high cholesterol, can lead to heart disease and/or heart attack. Vitamin E, present in SRB, has been linked to the reduction of heart attack risk.
As would be expected when feeding the body complete nutrition, users experience a reduction of cravings for junk food and fillers that add weight without contributing to health. Hence, weight loss is a by-product for those prone to obesity due to a nutrition-poor diet.
Antioxidants are substances which attack "free radicals" or molecules dangerous to the body’s health and which contribute to degenerative diseases associated with aging. SRB’s superabundance of antioxidants promotes optimum health and longevity.
Since it is overflowing with antioxidants, it comes as no surprise to find that SRB is a powerful fortifier of the body’s immune system. Rice bran also contains all the essential amino acids vital for producing red and white blood cells which strengthen the immune system.
Lipoic acid also stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces the damage done to the body by excess sugar. The latter condition (or glycation) leads to accelerated aging, heart disease, and diabetes complications.
Cigarette smoking, pollutants, sunlight, radiation, and even emotional stress can create free radicals and cause free radical chain reactions. Antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and lipoic acid act as free radical scavengers in the body. They "eat up" the free radicals before the free radicals damage the body at the cellular level.
Lipoic acid also protects the liver and detoxifies tissues of heavy metals such as excessive iron and copper and the toxic heavy metals cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Stabilized Rice Bran contains complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. It has B complex vitamins required for energy metabolism. There are essential fatty acids necessary for healthy skin and cells and tocopherols or full spectrum vitamin E antioxidants.
It contains tocotrienols that enhances the immune system. Lipoic acid for improved carbohydrate metabolism and gamma oryzanol for fat metabolism are present. The powerful antioxidant co-enzyme Q10 as well as phytotesterols (natural phytonutrients) and carotenoids are abundant.
Dr. Anderson, who is a certified fitness instructor and a faculty member of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and American Fitness and Athletic Association (AFAA), personally takes a stabilized rice bran.
"As both a teacher and a person who has exercised on a daily basis for over 20 years, I know that good nutrition goes hand in hand with being physically fit. It takes energy to keep up an active exercise routine. I use SOLUMeX (a particular SRB brand) as a pick-me-up after exercise as well as a supplement to assist me through a busy day. When you work hard and sweat, many nutrients are used by the body to conduct the work. It is extremely important to replace them. SOLUMeX is an easy and efficient way to do the job!"
While many detest rice bran for its sawdust taste, some like SOLUMeX have a sweet, nutty taste. It also has a shelf life of up to three years. SRB brands are available in specialty supplement stores while the specific brand that Anderson takes is available at the Arrieta Medical Clinic at the Medical Plaza Makati Building along Amorsolo Street in Makati (tel. no. 752-0445).
So before you give up on rice because dieters tell you it makes you fat or puffy, try stabilized rice bran which promises not only efficient carbohydrate and fat metabolism but also great health and slow aging!