RICE AND ARSENIC
Rice and Arsenic
Rice, particularly whole grain or brown rice, is one of the earth’s finest foods. It has been grown on earth for at least several thousand years, and probably much longer. However, today we do not recommend eating much rice because medical reports indicate that it has ALL been poisoned. This applies to all varieties of rice.
WHY HAS THIS OCCURRED?
We don’t know the cause of the problem. It could be a different strains of rice. This is the result of a multitude of factors, including the fact that rice paddy fields may accumulate arsenic in their soil, rice easily absorbs arsenic from the water and soil it's grown in, and, in some parts of the world, the irrigation water is contaminated with high levels of arsenic.
WHAT CAN ONE DO ABOUT IT?
Rice isn't the only source of arsenic. It is present in various foods, but a few foods and drinks have higher levels or arsenic, such as seafoods, rice products and contaminated water. Thus, we suggest not eating much rice or rice products. Ideally, avoid rice or have rice less than twice a week. Bastami rice (white or brown) seems to be a little less toxic than other types of rice.
Washing and cooking rice with plenty of clean water can help reduce the amount of arsenic present. This method works for both white and brown rice, with one study showing it has the potential to remove up to 57 percent of the toxic element.
TO REDUCE THE ARSENIC IN YOUR RICE
To reduce the arsenic in your rice, first give it a good rinse. Place the grains in a fine mesh strainer and pour water over them until it runs clear. Cook the rice in excess water, at a ratio of one cup of rice to six cups of water, and drain any extra leftover once the grains are tender.
ALTERNATIVE TO RICE
Some culture eat rice at least once a day. We suggest for these people to try and look for other grain alternatives in order to keep your arsenic consumption to a bare minimum. Other grains you can try are:
OTHER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Does this affect organically grown rice? The unfortunate answer is yes.
What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning from eating rice? Symptoms can include fatigue, malaise, digestive upset or other rather vague symptoms.
Can one taste or smell the contaminated rice? No.
Can I eat rice once a week? That is better than eating it daily, as millions of people do around the world. However, we suggest avoiding it completely or limit your consumption to no more than once or twice a week.
References:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Consumer Report.org
Arsenic in Rice: 11 Facts You Need to Know
Read more about arsenic poisoned here: Napoleon Bonaparte's Death/ Arsenic and Arsenic in Chicken Feed and The Trouble with Rice by the New York Times
We don’t know the cause of the problem. It could be a different strains of rice. This is the result of a multitude of factors, including the fact that rice paddy fields may accumulate arsenic in their soil, rice easily absorbs arsenic from the water and soil it's grown in, and, in some parts of the world, the irrigation water is contaminated with high levels of arsenic.
WHAT CAN ONE DO ABOUT IT?
Rice isn't the only source of arsenic. It is present in various foods, but a few foods and drinks have higher levels or arsenic, such as seafoods, rice products and contaminated water. Thus, we suggest not eating much rice or rice products. Ideally, avoid rice or have rice less than twice a week. Bastami rice (white or brown) seems to be a little less toxic than other types of rice.
Washing and cooking rice with plenty of clean water can help reduce the amount of arsenic present. This method works for both white and brown rice, with one study showing it has the potential to remove up to 57 percent of the toxic element.
TO REDUCE THE ARSENIC IN YOUR RICE
To reduce the arsenic in your rice, first give it a good rinse. Place the grains in a fine mesh strainer and pour water over them until it runs clear. Cook the rice in excess water, at a ratio of one cup of rice to six cups of water, and drain any extra leftover once the grains are tender.
ALTERNATIVE TO RICE
Some culture eat rice at least once a day. We suggest for these people to try and look for other grain alternatives in order to keep your arsenic consumption to a bare minimum. Other grains you can try are:
- Quinoa
- Millet
- Blue corn chips
- Yellow corn (polenta)
OTHER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Does this affect organically grown rice? The unfortunate answer is yes.
What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning from eating rice? Symptoms can include fatigue, malaise, digestive upset or other rather vague symptoms.
Can one taste or smell the contaminated rice? No.
Can I eat rice once a week? That is better than eating it daily, as millions of people do around the world. However, we suggest avoiding it completely or limit your consumption to no more than once or twice a week.
References:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Consumer Report.org
Arsenic in Rice: 11 Facts You Need to Know
Read more about arsenic poisoned here: Napoleon Bonaparte's Death/ Arsenic and Arsenic in Chicken Feed and The Trouble with Rice by the New York Times
Copyright © 2014 Josephine, Certified Holistic Nutrition, CHN, FDN