United States: The abundance of dietary nutrients together with fiber content in brown rice makes it a generally better choice than white rice.
However, a recent scientific study revealed that the commonly loved grain contains more arsenic than expected, even though arsenic served as a classic fatal poison in past murder mysteries.
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Scientists examined rice samples through their analysis and discovered that brown rice holds 24% more arsenic in addition to 40% additional inorganic arsenic content than white rice. Inorganic arsenic is a known carcinogen.
Regular intake of both arsenic varieties causes skin problems, digestive distress, and diabetes risks alongside cancer and cardiovascular disease development.
According to the WHO, early childhood exposure to arsenic “has been linked to negative impacts on cognitive development and increased deaths in young adults,” the New York Post reported.
Furthermore, as the study’s researchers noted, “There is a potential risk of harmful exposure to arsenic from brown rice among children under the age of five.” According to the reports, children may eat more food relative to their body weight than adults.
Brown rice retains the arsenic-attracted outer layers since its grinding process leaves them on the product, while white rice processing discards the same skin.
The additional nutrients and fiber that brown rice provides to the diet are combined with significantly higher arsenic content. Consumers should not completely avoid brown rice, according to their recommendations.
The expert community advises people to select various grains as well as follow specific cooking methods that minimize arsenic levels, such as extensive water rinsing and using surplus water, particularly when preparing food for young children, the New York Post reported.
The FDA released previous guidance to reduce infant and pregnant woman rice intake because inorganic arsenic exposure has been proven to affect brain development and increase cancer risk.