Recently we’ve been seeing reports that followed the Consumer Report done on arsenic found in rice. If you’re interested in seeing the report and the list of brands with the highest levels of arsenic click here.
Rice is grown in water and absorbs a higher quantity of arsenic than other grains. Although arsenic-type pesticides are used much less in the U.S.today, the mineral is still in the soil and especially the water. Unfortunately, arsenic is also used in animal feed to make the animals grow more quickly and that manure is used as fertilizer.
Here are some suggestions on what to do: (1)Rotate your grains and consider using amaranth, millet, quinoa, oats and other grains. (2) Consume different kinds of rice such as white rice, wild rice and brown rice. (3) Known where your rice is grown. Rice from northern areas tend to be lower in arsenic levels because of the flow of water and toxins flowing south. The southeast-grown rice has the highest arsenic content, partially because this is where cotton is also grown which is more heavily sprayed than food crops AND the insecticide used contains arsenic. (4) Rinse your rice with cold water before cooking it to wash away some of the toxins found on the outside of the grains. (5) Cook your rice with more water so that you can pour the remaining water out of the pot after cooking
Do not avoid rice just because of these reports. Rice has many benefits and should not be removed from the diet. Consider this an opportunity to try new foods, flavors and recipes. Varying the diet supplies different nutrients and concentrations of nutrients. Eat a balanced diet with many different foods. Moderation is the key to health.