Rice Tocotrienols—A Little Known Vitamin E
A still little-known series of compounds related to the better-known tocopherols associated with Vitamin E is the tocotrienols. Vitamin E is now considered to be a generic name for a whole class of molecules that includes the tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are therefore a form of Vitamin E, perhaps not as widely distributed in nature as tocopherols, but having its own quite important health benefits. One particularly rich source of tocotrienols is rice.
Research now shows that tocotrienols have potent antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties. As an antioxidant, tocotrienols are considered to be superior, in fact, to the more common alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E. They are better distributed in the fatty layers of cell membranes and are therefore better able to protect cells from free radical damage. They also can inhibit cholesterol production by the liver, specifically its detrimental form (LDL), leaving the good cholesterol (HDL) unaffected. In addition, blockage of the carotid artery and platelet aggregation (blood clotting) can be significantly reversed with the ingestion of tocotrienols. By lowering these risk factors, tocotrienols have now been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease. Tocotrienols also have shown significant anti-tumor properties and are considered effective in a regimen for cancer prevention. Rice tocotrienols are also strong in B vitamins, various minerals, proteins, and amino acids.
Little noticed before, tocotrienols are now considered quite important nutritional compounds for the prevention and treatment of disease. Unfortunately, most vitamin E supplements available on the market still lack the inclusion of tocotrienols.
Stabilized rice tocotrienols (tocos), also called rice solubles, are extracted from the inner kernel of the rice grain. They have a light, fluffy texture that is fast dissolving, and adds a delicious, creamy flavor to other foods. Rice tocotrienols are high in B vitamins and contain amino acids and minerals. They are a positively nutritious addition to smoothies, cereal blends, oatmeal, desserts, custom nutritional drinks, and numerous other creative food uses.
Rice Bran
Rice bran is derived from the outer layer of rice grains. It is high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals and has antioxidant properties.
Size: 1-pound heat-sealed bags