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According to World Population Review, rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s total population. On the other hand, Arsenic is one of the most poisonous elements. For many years, arsenic has been creeping into the food chain, and thus, into our foods.Now the problem has gotten worse, however; as pollution spreads, it is increasing the concentration of arsenic in our foods and creating a serious health risk. There have recently been studies identifying high levels of arsenic in rice. Should you be worried? A new study might have an answer.
Why Should You Care About Arsenic
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A study published in May by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a nonprofit that works to help limit children's exposures to toxic chemicals - raised legitimate concerns, experts said. Arsenic is one of several heavy metals that are frequently found in rice, with associations made in children with impaired brain development, and in adults with cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The results are most concerning for pregnant women, young children, and populations that consume rice routinely, according to study. The bright side is that there are ways to limit your exposure. The researchers gathered 145 rice samples purchased on Amazon and at stores around the United States including Trader Joe's, Safeway, Costco, and Target. The rice was either grown in the United States or imported from other countries. The researchers also purchased grains such as couscous, farro, quinoa, and spelt — and sent them all to a lab for heavy metals testing. The testing indicated that all the rice samples contained a form of arsenic called inorganic arsenic — which is the most toxic and concerning for health. Approximately one-third of rice samples exceeded the Food and Drug Administration’s recommended limit for inorganic arsenic in rice cereals for infants. And on average, the rice samples contained 28 times more arsenic than the other grain samples.
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India’s Basmati Among The Safest Rice?
The data also showed that brown rice had increased levels of arsenic compared to white rice, but the levels also varied based on the region where the rice was grown. The top concentrates were in arborio rice from Italy and white and brown rice from the southeastern US. On the other hand, sushi, jasmine and other forms of white rice from California, along with jasmine rice from Thailand and Basmati rice from India, had the lowest level of arsenic.
Bottom Line
The levels of arsenic present in rice all over the world raises alarms on various levels as rice acts as a staple food for the majority of the global population. There is a silver lining though. The researchers added that if moderated well by the administrations across countries.