Should I Worry About Arsenic Contamination in Brown Rice?
Published on: December 14, 2023.
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Arsenic Poisoning: How Rice Can Be Harmful to Your Health
Arsenic, one of the most toxic elements for health, continues to find its way into our food, making us sick. The after-effects of arsenic poisoning can lead to various types of cancer, including skin, lung, and bladder cancer.
The Problem with Rice
Studies have shown that rice, a popular food around the world, contains high levels of arsenic. In particular, brown rice, which is often consumed for its high antioxidants and nutritional value, has an average arsenic content of more than 80% compared to white rice of the same type. The outer grain of rice, which contains arsenic, is removed during the production of white rice, explaining the difference in levels. Rice, especially brown rice, accumulates more arsenic than other food crops, making it the primary source of inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form. Experts believe that rice absorbs more arsenic from water and soil compared to other plants.
Some rice-based products that have been found to contain high levels of inorganic arsenic include rice milk, rice bran, rice-based breakfast cereals, rice cereal used as baby food, rice crackers, and cereal bars containing brown rice.
Why Does Rice Contain Arsenic?
Arsenic naturally occurs in water, soil, and rocks, and it enters the food chain and accumulates in animals and plants, including rice. Human activities have contributed to the rise in arsenic pollution. Rice is particularly susceptible to arsenic contamination because it is grown in flooded fields that require high levels of irrigation water. Arsenic accumulates in the soil of paddy fields, and rice absorbs more arsenic from water and soil compared to other crops.
The Health Risks of Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic poisoning can have severe health consequences. The most common after-effects of arsenic poisoning include various forms of cancer, such as skin, lung, and bladder cancer. Prolonged exposure to arsenic has also been associated with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and compromised immune systems. Arsenic can also be toxic to nerve cells and affect brain function, leading to impaired concentration, learning difficulties, and memory problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoning
Signs and symptoms of arsenic poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, chest pain, breathlessness, sore throat, low blood pressure, pricking feelings in toes and fingers, red and swollen skin, and bad mouth odor. Long-term exposure to arsenic can also lead to pigmentation of the skin, appearance of warts and lesions, chronic cough and sore throat, digestive issues, and white lines on the nails.
Reducing Arsenic in Rice
There are several easy ways to reduce the amount of arsenic in rice:
- Wash and cook the rice with clean water
- Use plenty of water when cooking
- Prefer white rice over brown rice
- Choose aromatic rice varieties like basmati or jasmine
- Select rice from the Himalayan region, including North India
Please note that the tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for general information purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Consult your doctor or a dietician before making any changes to your diet or starting a fitness program.
Source: Times Now News
