It was shocking to learn that brown rice, which was thought to be healthy, contained a class 1 carcinogen. Fortune and other media outlets reported that rice bran had notably high levels of the carcinogen inorganic arsenic, based on research data from a research team at Michigan State University in the United States that compared and analyzed the arsenic exposure of brown rice and white rice.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified inorganic arsenic as a group 1 carcinogen. Long-term exposure is known to raise the risk of bladder, lung, and skin cancers, among other cancers.
The study found that brown rice had an average of 24% more arsenic overall than white rice, with approximately 40% more highly toxic inorganic arsenic present. According to the research team, brown rice’s bran layer contains a high concentration of arsenic. According to the analysis, brown rice keeps the hull and germ, leaving more arsenic behind, whereas white rice polishes off its outer hull.
There was no abrupt rise in the amount of arsenic in brown rice. As rice grows, arsenic is naturally absorbed through its roots. This is because arsenic is naturally present in soil and groundwater, but can also build up due to industrial pollution, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. The issue is that, despite being thought of as a healthy food, brown rice can be harmful to certain high-risk groups if consumed for an extended period without any information. In particular, the research team advised babies and young children to use brown rice cautiously.
Because their organs and metabolic processes are still developing and they eat a lot of food compared to their body weight, infants between the ages of six months and two years are particularly vulnerable to arsenic. The rationale is that younger children will inevitably have a higher concentration of arsenic left in their bodies, even if they consume the same amount.
This report does not advise against eating brown rice at all. According to the research team, when taken in moderation, the health risks for adults are minimal. However, they stressed that proper cooking techniques and intake control are required once brown rice becomes a staple food for kids.
Experts also offered strategies for lowering arsenic consumption. Brown rice must be repeatedly washed under running water, soaked for over six hours before cooking, and then cooked in fresh water. It is also advised to combine it with other grains or boil it in hot water beforehand. Avoiding excessive attention to a single food ingredient is another crucial dietary principle.
The benefits of brown rice are obvious. Its high dietary fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B content can help manage blood sugar, hyperlipidemia, and constipation. As an unrefined whole grain, its health benefits are undeniable. However, focusing solely on the advantages of brown rice while ignoring scientific warnings is reckless.
There is balance in nutrition. Healthy eating habits are achieved by understanding the ingredients, preparing them properly, and consuming them in the right amounts rather than avoiding or naively believing in particular foods. Brown rice is no different. It’s time to examine the scientific data supporting it, even if it’s a well-known grain.
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