Physical refining is overwhelmingly superior for health. It uses pure high-vacuum steam distillation without adding Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide). This preserves vital micronutrients like Gamma Oryzanol (12,000+ PPM), Tocopherols (Vitamin E), and Squalene. Chemical refining neutralizes oils with caustic soda, stripping natural nutrients and creating chemical soapstock effluents.
Process Comparison: Step-by-Step
| Processing Stage | Physical Refining (Jeevan Rekha) | Conventional Chemical Refining |
|---|---|---|
| Deacidification (FFA Removal) | High-Vacuum Steam Distillation | Caustic Soda (NaOH) Neutralized |
| Chemical Additives | ZERO Chemical Reagents | Caustic Soda, Phosphoric Acid |
| Gamma Oryzanol Retention | 12,000+ PPM (100% Preserved) | Heavy loss (80-90% stripped into soapstock) |
| Natural Vitamin E Retention | High (Natural Tocopherols intact) | Significantly reduced; synthetic vitamins added back |
| Environmental Footprint | Eco-friendly, zero chemical effluent | Produces toxic chemical soapstock waste |
Why Caustic Soda Strips Precious Nutrients
When crude vegetable oil is washed with Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide), the alkali reacts with Free Fatty Acids to form sodium soaps (soapstock). Unfortunately, beneficial phytochemicals — especially Gamma Oryzanol in rice bran — precipitate out with the soap layer, resulting in catastrophic nutrient loss.
At AB Udyog’s 150 TPD Burdwan refinery, we exclusively employ state-of-the-art Physical Refining technology. By utilizing precise thermal differentials under high vacuum, Free Fatty Acids are distilled off as pure distillate without harming a single molecule of Gamma Oryzanol.
Choose 100% Physical Purity with Jeevan Rekha
Every drop of Jeevan Rekha Rice Bran Oil is physically refined at our NABL-accredited facility in Burdwan, West Bengal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chemical refining typically uses Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide - NaOH) to neutralize free fatty acids, followed by Phosphoric or Citric Acid for degumming and synthetic bleaching clays. These harsh chemical agents can strip essential micronutrients and natural antioxidants from the crude oil.
Physical refining uses high-vacuum steam distillation at precise temperatures to gently remove free fatty acids, odours, and volatile impurities without adding any caustic soda or chemical reagents. This non-chemical process preserves 100% of the natural Gamma Oryzanol, Tocopherols, and Squalene naturally present in the oil.
No. Controlled physical steam refining under high vacuum operates within strictly monitored temperature parameters in NABL accredited facilities, preventing trans-fat isomerization and preserving natural fatty acid integrity.