Brown rice is often hailed as a healthier alternative to white rice, full of fiber, protein, and key nutrients. Yet new research coming out of Michigan State University has health professionals and consumers questioning that assumption. Higher levels of arsenic, a toxic substance found to pose long-term health problems, including cancer, are said to be in brown rice, according to a study released recently.
This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food. While we found that choosing brown rice over white rice would result in higher arsenic exposure on average, the levels should not cause long-term health problems unless someone ate an enormous amount of brown rice every day for years.Dr. Felicia Wu, Professor at MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Scientists discovered that brown rice contains higher levels of inorganic arsenic (the more poisonous type) than white rice. Why? Because Brown rice still has its outer layers, which contain most of the arsenic, intact, whereas white rice is processed and has the outer layers removed.
Who is in greatest danger?
The research, which was published in Risk Analysis, looked at the consumption of rice among different U.S. populations. The findings indicate that the general adult population is not likely to suffer immediate health issues, but infants, young children, and populations that eat rice regularly, for example, Asian immigrant families or food-insecure individuals, are at greater risk.
Children below the age of five are also more susceptible since they eat more food per their body weight compared to adults.
Do you need to quit eating brown rice?
Not exactly. Brown rice still has significant health advantages, such as dietary fiber, B vitamins, such as niacin, and plant protein. According to lead researcher Dr. Felicia Wu, the purpose of this study is not to demonize brown rice but to emphasize the need to balance nutrition with food security.
This exposure assessment is only one side of the equation when examining the potential trade-offs between brown and white rice consumption. Even if arsenic levels are slightly higher in brown rice than white rice, more research is needed to demonstrate if the potential risks from this exposure are mitigated in part by the potential nutritional benefits provided by the rice bran.Dr. Felicia Wu, Professor at MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Finding the Balance: Nutrition vs. Risk
The most important take-home message from this research is to be vigilant and have a balanced diet. If you consume rice regularly, then try to consume it with other grains such as quinoa, barley, or bulgur. And if you are preparing rice for children, wash it properly and cook it in excess water (and drain it) so that the amount of arsenic is reduced.
Consumers and policymakers alike should weigh both the nutritional benefits and potential risks when making dietary decisions. As our understanding of food safety increases, so do our eating habits.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)