Brown rice a healthier choice or worse pick for kids? Study highlights arsenic content
The researchers found that brown rice, while nutritionally superior in many ways, also tends to have higher levels of inorganic arsenic. On average, brown rice contained about 48% inorganic arsenic, compared to 33% in white rice.
New Delhi: Brown rice is said to be the healthier cousin of white rice, and it is often celebrated for its high fibre content and rich nutritional profile. But research from Michigan State University has brought to light the dangers of this choice for children. Offering a balanced view of things, the research suggests that there could be side effects of eating this grain as well, and it could be triggered by the high arsenic content. And as per experts, a lot of it comes from the way white and brown rice absorb arsenic from the soil. Brown rice has higher concentrations of this toxic component.
What is arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in water and soil, but in larger quantities, it can become toxic. Long-term exposure to its inorganic versions can lead to heart diseases, cancer, and kidney diseases, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Rice tends to absorb more arsenic than most grains because it's often grown in water-flooded fields, conditions that make it easier for the plant to draw arsenic from the soil.
In this latest study, researchers examined how much arsenic people might be exposed to through rice consumption in the U.S., using national dietary surveys and environmental data to make their estimates.
Brown vs. white: A surprising comparison
The researchers found that brown rice, while nutritionally superior in many ways, also tends to have higher levels of inorganic arsenic. On average, brown rice contained about 48% inorganic arsenic, compared to 33% in white rice. When looking at globally sourced rice, the figures rose even higher, up to 65% for brown rice and 53% for white.
For most adults, these levels aren’t cause for major concern unless they consume rice in very large quantities every day. However, the researchers did raise a flag for infants and young children, who eat more rice relative to their body weight and may be more sensitive to arsenic exposure.
What does this mean for your diet?
Lead researcher Professor Felicia Wu stressed that the goal isn’t to demonize brown rice, but to help consumers make more informed choices. She added that the findings highlight the importance of considering food safety along with nutritional value, especially when feeding younger children or making rice a daily staple.
Moderation and variety are key
So, should you stop eating brown rice altogether? Not at all. Experts suggest that rotating rice with other whole grains like quinoa, barley, or bulgur can help minimize any potential risk while still offering nutritional variety. For parents of young children, rinsing rice thoroughly before cooking or choosing lower-arsenic rice sources when available might also help.