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Medical Video: Uh, Oh..It's Poisonous? | The Truth About Rice Water | KiaraIvory
Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements in the world. Maybe you are still fresh in your memory about the case of the death of Munir, a human rights fighter who was poisoned by arsenic during a flight to Amsterdam in 2004. And recently, a number of studies have detected high doses of arsenic in rice - a million food staples. Wow!
What is the effect of arsenic on the body?
Arsenic is an element of carcinogens, and chronic exposure to high doses of arsenic is associated with an increased risk of bladder, lung and skin cancers, and type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, arsenic is toxic to nerve cells and can affect brain function. In children and adolescents, arsenic exposure has been associated with impaired concentration, learning and memory; also reduce intelligence and social competence.
U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum arsenic limit in drinking water, which is 10 ppb. However, there is no prescribed limit for arsenic in food and beverages. Studies show that 100 grams of rice (half a portion) is equivalent to drinking 1 liter of water containing the maximum amount of arsenic allowed by the EPA.
Why can there be arsenic in rice?
Not many know that we actually consume arsenic almost every day. Arsenic is found in rice and wheat products, vegetables and fruits, and even seafood. This is because arsenic is an iron element that is produced naturally in the earth's crust, which is present in water, air, and soil. Volcanic eruptions produce arsenic. This toxic iron element is also produced from human activities, including mining and ore smelting, coal burning, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
And because arsenic really exists around us, this element can be absorbed by plants as they grow regardless of whether they grow in traditional or organic farming. Arsenic is not a material that is intentionally added to a food source, and cannot be completely removed from food. Arsenic in its purest form is odorless, colorless, and has no taste.
Rice is one source of food rich in inorganic arsenic, the most toxic type of arsenic. Rice contains about 10 to 20 times higher doses of arsenic than wheat and other grains. Rice absorbs arsenic more easily than other agricultural products because it is planted under conditions of inundated land. In many areas, agricultural irrigation water is highly contaminated by arsenic. This makes the arsenic content in the soil more concentrated, making it easier to absorb into the grain.
Using contaminated water to wash and cook rice is another risk factor for arsenic content in rice. Rice grains can also easily absorb arsenic from boiling water when rice is cooked.
Is the arsenic content in rice dangerous?
It is unclear how dangerous the risk of arsenic in rice is for human health. Although high doses of arsenic are very toxic, but to be able to achieve a lethal effect, arsenic must be consumed at least two grams directly.
On the other hand, the health risks of arsenic poisoning may cause a particular concern for those who eat enough rice every day - especially for people in Asia who make rice as a mainstay of food sources. This is because the impact of arsenic will be dose-dependent: the more you consume, the higher your risk.
However, until now the Food and Drug Administration in the United States (FDA) has not recommended people who are worried to in droves replace their daily consumption of rice or rice.
"Data collection and other ongoing assessments will provide a strong scientific basis for determining what actions and / or steps are needed to reduce arsenic exposure in rice and rice products," said the agency, reported by Live Strong.
Meanwhile, researchers are far more concerned about the effects of arsenic in rice for children and infants. This age group may be at a higher risk of exposure to the dangers of arsenic because their body systems are still in the stage of growth and development. We know that low arsenic doses in children have an impact on the development of the immune system, developmental disorders, and IQ developmental disorders.
How to cook healthy rice to reduce arsenic levels in rice
The FDA and the US consumer agency, Consumer Reports, recommend the public to eat balanced foods that contain variations of other grains - especially if you eat more than two or three servings of rice per week. Wheat and oats, for example, are known to have lower arsenic levels than rice rice.
And if you want to find out, it turns out that the way you cook rice can determine the amount of arsenic in rice a little more. Andy Meharg, professor of biology at Queens University in Belfast, tested three ways to cook rice to see if the differences in cooking methods affect the level of arsenic in rice.
First, Meharg uses the most conventional method of cooking rice: with a dose of water and rice 2: 1 - as practiced by almost everyone so far. He found this method that left the most trace of arsenic in rice. Conversely, the second method involves washing and rinsing the rice, then the water is drained properly until it is dry. Meharg then uses a ratio of 5: 1 water and rice to cook rice. This method cuts the arsenic level by almost half.
The last method was found to be the safest: drastically reducing arsenic levels in rice by up to 80 percent. The trick, soak the rice overnight. The next morning, wash and rinse thoroughly, then drain the water until it is completely dry. To cook rice, use a ratio of water and rice 5 to one.
