Rice is a perennial grass which belongs to the grass family Poaceae and originated in India, Southern China and Thailand. It was diversified and domesticated in ancient times and is cultivated in semi-tropical, wet tropical and warm temperate areas around the world for producing its cereal grain. Rice is the primary cereal crops in the word for human consumption. Rice serves as the main source of calories for more than half of the world’s population.
Rice bran is the hard outer layers of cereal grain which consists of combined aleurone as well as pericarp. It is an essential part of whole grains which is produced as byproduct of milling in producing refined grains. When bran is expelled from grains, it loses a part of its nutritional value. Bran has high content of dietary fiber, essential fatty acids and other vital amounts of protein, starch, dietary minerals and vitamins. Being a great source of phytic acid which is an antinutrient, it prevents absorption of nutrients. It offers wide range of health benefits with the presence of vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin B and essential fatty acids. It is a great source of phytosterols which helps to control blood sugar, cholesterol metabolism and prostate health. Naturally it is gluten free, lactose free and hypoallergenic which makes it tolerable health product for various tastes.
