Rice is an essential part of the diet of many populations on several continents. Nevertheless, arsenic is often present in high quantities. Thanks to their study, scientists believe they have found the best way to cook rice to eliminate this arsenic while saving the nutrients of this cereal.
Rice is a grain that comes from a plant, but the term most often refers to the grains that are eaten. Constituting the basis of the diet of populations living in Asia, Africa and South America, rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world. However, it often contains inorganic arsenic. It is a very common metal on Earth and toxic to humans. According to a 2007 study, rice absorbs ten times more arsenic inorganic than other cereals. This phenomenon can be explained simply:rice grows on flooded land, which facilitates the absorption of substances present in the soil such as arsenic.
On the risk side, some countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States have regulations aimed at limiting exposure to inorganic arsenic through the consumption of rice. Nevertheless, health risks still exist in these countries. Another study published in June 2020 mentions this risk in the United Kingdom. Researchers have estimated that more than half of the rice varieties sold in this country have high levels of arsenic. These rates notably exceed the regulation concerning the consumption of children under five who are particularly sensitive to the substance.
In recent years, several cooking methods have emerged to reduce arsenic levels. Unfortunately, some of them also remove nutrients present in rice. In a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment on October 29, 2020, researchers from the University of Sheffield (UK) looked into the problem. Researchers tested four ways to cook rice . The goal? Determine which method can effectively reduce arsenic while retaining the nutrients of this food.
According to the results, the best method is to boil four glasses of water for one glass of rice. Then, add the rice and leave the water on the heat for five minutes, then discard the water. The researchers indicate that this water removes a large amount of the arsenic contained in the rice by saving as many nutrients as possible. Finally, it is necessary to cover the rice with a lid and continue cooking over low heat. For the scientists of the study, this method of cooking is particularly recommended for consumption among the youngest.
