ARSENIC IN FOOD: SHOULD YOU WASH RICE BEFORE COOKING IT?
Rice is a staple food for millions of people across the world. Packed with health benefits, rice is a super-rich source of carbohydrates - the body's main fuel source which keeps you energized and satisfied and is important for fueling exercise. It is also an excellent source of many nutrients, including fibre, manganese, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
But before you throw your rice in a pot of water, is it healthiest to wash it first? According to experts, whether long- or short-grained, white or brown - washing rice is not a prerequisite for preparing this common dish.
Why should you wash your rice before cooking? Related News |
However, there are many reasons why people do so. Experts have always sparked concerns over the presence of arsenic, which can easily be washed away by soaking.According to studies, arsenic is found naturally in soil and water and is considered toxic.
Apart from taste reasons – as many say rinsing your rice makes it look fluffier and tastier, it also helps remove topical starch. And when this starch is reduced, the rice grains would be less clumpy.
Related News |Rinsing helps wash away undesirable materials including any leftover debris like dirt or small pebbles, which can be detrimental to your health. Also, washing helps remove microplastics from food packaging.
How does arsenic affect?
According to experts, arsenic naturally occurs in water, soil, and rocks, but its levels may be higher in some areas than others. It easily enters the food chain and accumulates in significant amounts in both animals and plants, some of which are eaten by humans.As a result of human activities, arsenic pollution has been rising.
The main sources of arsenic pollution include certain pesticides and herbicides, wood preservatives, phosphate fertilizers, industrial waste, mining activities, coal burning, and smelting.
Arsenic easily drains into groundwater - heavily polluted - and from there, finds its way to water supplies that are used for crop irrigation and cooking.
Rice is particularly susceptible to arsenic contamination because it is grown in flooded fields, and it absorbs more arsenic from water and soil compared to other common food crops.
Symptoms of arsenic poisoning
A few signs and symptoms of arsenic toxicity include:- Red or swollen skin
- Eruption of new warts or lesions
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling of fingers and toes
- Darkening of skin
- Constant sore throat
- Persistent digestive issues
Things to remember
Experts say regardless of whether you decide to rinse your rice before cooking it, there are a few important things you should keep in mind for healthy, tasty rice-making.- To limit arsenic exposure, wash the rice often.
- When you do include rice in your diet, experiment with various preparation methods. While boiling rice, add a low-sodium bone broth for extra protein and nutrition.
- If you want to lose weight, eat whole-grain brown rice sometimes. According to nutritionists, brown rice contains more fibre and protein than white rice, making it a healthier choice.