A threat to the health of children Something unexpected about brown rice
Brown rice has long been regarded as the best option for anyone looking to improve their health, but many people are unaware of the hidden dangers this seemingly healthful food poses, particularly for young children.
According to a recent study by University of Michigan researchers, brown rice has 15% more harmful arsenic than white rice. Customers are presented with a perplexing nutritional conundrum by this finding: How can a decision that everyone believes to be healthful have such risks?
Arsenic types
The nuances of arsenic's nature and how rice absorbs it are the crux of the issue. There are two types of arsenic in rice:
Some seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed, naturally contain organic arsenic, which is less harmful.
- Inorganic arsenic (the hazardous kind associated with autism, developmental issues, cancer, and more).
Compared to only 33% of white rice, 48% of brown rice contains inorganic arsenic, which is a toxic substance that has combined with other elements like oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. This significant disparity in levels is extremely concerning.
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The children most impacted
Since their developing brains are especially vulnerable to the effects of arsenic, young children are the group most at risk, according to a study whose findings were reported in the Daily Mail.
According to the study, children and babies aged 6 months to 2 years who eat brown rice are exposed to twice as much arsenic as those who eat white rice. Serious neurological issues, from learning disabilities and low IQ to more complex conditions like autism and hyperactivity, are linked to this early exposure.
Because brown rice is grown in a special way, it contains high levels of arsenic, which is dangerous. Water flooding rice fields creates the perfect conditions for arsenic to be absorbed from the soil.
It may surprise you to learn that rice can absorb ten times as much arsenic as other crops. The bran, the nutrient-rich outer layer that gives brown rice its unique color and nutritional value, contains a disproportionate amount of this toxic substance.
Brown rice and white rice
A number of health issues
Experts claim that even low levels of inorganic arsenic exposure over time can lead to a variety of health issues, including skin conditions and an increased risk of lung, bladder, and skin cancers.
Even more concerning is the strong correlation between arsenic exposure and cardiovascular disease, as well as its detrimental effects on cognitive processes, which include obvious learning disabilities and a sharp decline in IQ, particularly in early life.
Experts are reassured that excessive, prolonged consumption is the only way to reveal the true risk, despite these findings. "Arsenic levels in brown rice should not cause long-term health problems unless a person consumes massive amounts daily for years," says Professor Felicia Wu, the study's lead researcher. This is the issue.
Practical methods to lower exposure to arsenic are required in light of the new study's findings. Since quinoa and oats offer comparable nutritional value without the risk of arsenic poisoning, experts advise kids in particular to cut back on brown rice intake and replace it with safer food options.
According to studies, adults should wash their rice well before cooking it and use a lot of water while cooking it. These easy yet efficient actions greatly lower the amount of arsenic.