Hyderabad : GEF India, in association with the Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN India) Hyderabad Chapter, hosted a Nutrition Meet on the theme “Nutritional Insights and Everyday Value of Rice Bran Oil”, bringing together nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals and industry experts to discuss the importance of evidence-based nutrition and the role of healthy cooking oils in preventive healthcare. The session was led by renowned Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Matheen Asrar, who shared scientific insights on dietary fats, everyday nutrition and practical approaches to making healthier food choices.
The session focused on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, highlighting the importance of preventive nutrition in improving long term health outcomes. Experts emphasised that while cooking oil is a staple ingredient in almost every Indian household, consumers often make decisions based on misconceptions rather than scientific evidence. They stressed the need to shift the conversation from reducing fat intake to choosing the right quality of fats and following balanced dietary practices.
Dr. Matheen explained that fats are essential for brain function, hormone production, cell health and vitamin absorption, and should not be eliminated but balanced through quality and moderation. She highlighted that Rice Bran Oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with bioactives such as oryzanol, tocopherols and tocotrienols, which have been studied for their role in supporting cholesterol management. Its high smoke point also makes it suitable for Indian cooking methods such as deep frying and stir frying. Referring to published evidence, she noted that Rice Bran Oil consumption has been associated with up to a 12% reduction in LDL cholesterol over four weeks, while a meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 572 participants reported reductions in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. She added that these benefits are comparable to those of other unsaturated vegetable oils. However, she reiterated that the choice of cooking oil, together with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, remains key to maintaining good health
Speaking during the session, Dr. Matheen Asrar, RD, PhD, PGDHA, CDE and Consultant Nutritionist, said, “Good nutrition is built on informed choices guided by credible scientific evidence rather than misconceptions or changing dietary trends. As consumers have access to an abundance of nutrition information, it is important to distinguish facts from myths and adopt dietary habits that are practical, balanced and sustainable. Rice Bran Oil is one of the cooking oils with a well-documented nutritional profile and can be included as part of a healthy diet. However, lasting health is shaped by overall dietary patterns, regular physical activity and consistent lifestyle practices rather than any single food or ingredient.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sujata Stephen, General Secretary, IAPEN Telangana Chapter, said, “Nutrition awareness plays a vital role in improving public health and empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices. At IAPEN Telangana Chapter, we are committed to advancing nutrition education by encouraging knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals and promoting practical dietary guidance for the wider community. Our association with GEF India for this Nutrition Meet provided a valuable platform to discuss preventive nutrition, healthy cooking practices and the nutritional value of Rice Bran Oil. We believe that continued collaboration between healthcare professionals, nutrition experts and responsible industry partners can contribute significantly to promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting long term health and wellbeing.”
Adding to this, Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, Marketing Head, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, said, “At GEF India, we recognise that consumers today are increasingly seeking practical and reliable nutrition information to support healthier lifestyles. Through this Nutrition Meet, we aimed to simplify the science behind Rice Bran Oil and highlight its everyday nutritional value as part of a balanced diet. Freedom Rice Bran Oil reflects this commitment through its nutritional profile, including a high oryzanol content of more than 10,000 ppm, along with naturally occurring antioxidants such as tocopherols and tocotrienols, making it a practical choice for everyday cooking. By bringing together leading nutrition experts and healthcare professionals, we hope to encourage greater nutrition literacy, inspire healthier cooking practices and empower consumers to make informed food choices with greater confidence.”
The interactive session concluded with experts encouraging consumers to adopt a holistic approach to health through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and informed cooking oil choices, reiterating that no single food or oil can ensure good health and that long-term wellness depends on consistent lifestyle habits supported by scientific evidence. The Nutrition Meet reflected the shared commitment of GEF India and IAPEN India Hyderabad Chapter to advancing nutrition awareness through credible knowledge-sharing initiatives, bringing together nutrition experts, healthcare professionals and industry leaders to reinforce the importance of evidence-based education in promoting healthier communities and empowering consumers to make informed dietary decisions.
