It's a widely know fact that bran works wonders for the human body.
We are learning that it may be even healthier than we'd ever imagined.
A group of local researchers have discovered previously unknown properties of rice bran that could help prevent obesity.
Paul Yi has more.
About 500,000 tons of rice bran is produced every year in Korea after rice is polished.
Thirty percent of the residue is used in cosmetics or livestock feed, while the rest is discarded.
But a group of local researchers has recently discovered evidence that special properties in rice bran could be beneficial in preventing obesity.
They released the results early this month.
The researchers conducted a test in which a control group of mice was fed high-fat foods, while an experimental group was fed high-fat foods and given an injection of rice bran extract.
After six weeks, the mice in the control group gained 44 percent more weight, but the group that was given the rice bran injections showed a significant difference in weight gain of only 33 percent.
"The mice given the rice bran extract injections gained significantly less weight and there was a reduction in the amount of fat in the liver cells."
The difference was also noticeable in the size of fatty tissues and cells.
The mice in the high-fat control group had enlarged cells, but the mice in the rice bran group saw no change in their fatty tissues.
The researchers discovered that certain bioactive components in rice bran helped decrease the proportion of fat in the body.
"Through animal testing, we've proven that rice bran is effective in fighting obesity. It could be used to make health-functional food or medicine."
After confirming the effectiveness and safety of rice bran in humans, the researchers anticipate the results will transform the unused raw material into a high-value product while tackling the oversupply of rice in the country.
Sohn Jung-in, Arirang News.
