Nutritional Showdown: Rice Bran Oil vs. Sunflower Oil

Be it now or even years before- the answer would be the same. Cooking oils are an important part of every single kitchen. They are just like a twin-brother that’s inseparable from his sibling and a foodie who can’t go a day without savouring his/her favourite snack. In general, the definition of cooking oil has evolved over the years. With edible cooking oils, its importance has undoubtedly grown over time and has also received its fair share of comments concerning its purity. 

Edible cooking oils have and still are a prerequisite to eating the best of meals at home. Giving your taste buds an experience worth enjoying, these house a variety of options that may leave you spoilt for choice. However, most Indian kitchens rely on using one cooking oil that has been a favourite in their home. Several studies do suggest switching your cooking oils for better nutrition and health. On the other hand, families do prefer sticking to one cooking oil due to its taste, price, and availability.

Rice Bran Oil and Sunflower Oil

Everyone looks to purchase a cooking oil that not only fits their budgets but the health of their loved ones. Since this is a make-or-break decision, it has to be at point. Of late, there have been studies conducted where refined rice bran and refined sunflower oil are considered an exceptional cooking enhancer. But, to make things clear from a customer’s pov, here is all you need to know to make the right decision necessary. 

Both rice bran oil and sunflower cooking oil are healthy. Why? Sunflower oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids whereas rice bran oils are used as a hypoallergenic oil.

Interested in knowing more? Well, this article has all to offer. Let’s understand the nutritional benefits of these cooking oils.

• Both Sunflower Oil and Rice Bran Oil are naturally free from cholesterol. The monounsaturated fat content in sunflower oil is 6g while it is 5g in rice bran oil. In addition to this, sunflower oil consists of 1.3 g of saturated fats while rice bran oil consists of 2.7 g.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 are the primary unsaturated fats in one’s diet. Both the above cooking oils are extremely high in omega-6 fatty acids and do not showcase any traces of omega-3s. 
• Both oils showcase a fair share of vitamin-E, which is important for consumption. But refined sunflower oil contains more vitamin-E as compared to rice bran cooking oil. Refined sunflower oil contains 37% while the other contains 29%. 
• Indian cooking is known to be one that uses more masalas and flavour. This means cooking under higher temperatures which incorporates both stir-frying and sauteing. With a smoke point of over 450 degrees sunflower oil’s light flavour is considered the best partner for frying and baking. On the other hand, physically refined rice bran oil is used for high-heat cooking making it perfect for drizzling and other cooking purposes.

Final Take

Keeping the above-mentioned pointers in mind, we come to a conclusion that cooking food at home does make things a lot more convenient and affordable. With the benefits of these omega-6 rich oils, healthy cooking can be made a daily exercise. 

If we ask which oil is better- there is really no concrete answer to the same. Both differ in terms of their nutritional value and goals. But somewhere or the other, they both are considered the perfect choice for everyday cooking at home.  Doctors’ Choice- a brand that encourages enjoying the flavours and essence of home-cooking meals urges all to prepare their favs at home. With the goodness of their physically refined rice bran oil and refined sunflower oil, enjoy every meal and make goodness a part of every bowl your savour.