Rice: The Shocking Truth About Your Favorite Grain!

2025-05-15 12:00:37.583

A new report reveals that samples of store-bought rice from over 100 brands in the US contain dangerously high levels of arsenic and cadmium. These heavy metals are linked to serious health problems, including diabetes, developmental delays, and heart disease. The risk is especially high for young children, as early exposure is associated with reduced IQ and cognitive problems. One in four rice samples exceeded FDA limits for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. While the FDA has addressed arsenic levels in infant rice cereal, the levels in rice for family consumption remain alarmingly high, with rice itself being a more significant source of arsenic exposure for children aged 0-2 than infant rice cereal. Arsenic is a natural element found in soil, water, and air, with the inorganic form being the most toxic. It's also a carcinogen, and early-life exposure is particularly dangerous. The USA Rice Federation argues that US-grown rice has the lowest arsenic levels globally, but the report's authors counter that rice alone contributes significantly to arsenic intake in the American diet. Rice is a staple food for over a billion children worldwide, and the report highlights disproportionately high arsenic exposure in Hispanic/Latino and Asian children. The study also compared rice to nine ancient grains, finding rice contained 28 times more arsenic, although ancient grains had higher cadmium levels. Rice type and growing region impact heavy metal content, with brown and wild rice often having the highest levels. Basmati, jasmine, and California-grown rice had lower arsenic levels, while Italian Arborio and US-grown brown rice had high levels. Precooked rice may also contain additional toxins. The report emphasizes that rice variety and origin are key factors in heavy metal content, not brand. The authors recommend cooking rice like pasta (using excess water and draining) to reduce arsenic levels. They also suggest soaking rice before cooking and consuming iron-rich foods to mitigate potential deficiencies from arsenic reduction. The FDA is conducting a review of chemicals in the food supply, including heavy metals.