According to a recent study, brown rice contains more arsenic than white rice – which may sound alarming. But the levels found in brown rice do not pose a health risk, and brown rice, like other whole grains, is an important part of a healthy diet.
We recently reported on ZAP that climate change are gradually – as warmer temperatures and increased carbon dioxide increase arsenic levels in this starchy, on which half of the world population depends.
Now, in a new study, a team of researchers has identified higher levels From this toxin well knew in brown rice than in white rice.
This data may sound alarming, but There is no reason for concern – And you should keep this cereal in your diet, explain Iain Brownleeprofessor at Northumbria University, in the United Kingdom, in an article in.
To understand the issue, it is useful to remember an old principle of toxicology, first stated by Paracélsio: The dose makes the poison. In other words, harmful substances both can be harmless as beneficial – If you dose low enough,
The arsenium, though dangerous in large quantitiesis found naturally in soil and water and It can appear in many foodsincluding rice.
The new study makes this very clear: the amount of arsenic in brown rice is far below any level considered risky for human health. What matters is both the present quantity and the frequency with which it is consumed.
For most people, the exposure resulting from the consumption of brown rice is minimal and is not a matter of concern.
Despite the reassuring conclusion of the study, some media published scary headlines, like “Toxic metal connected to cancer and autism found in brown rice, scientists say it is time to rethink this healthy option“, e “Do you think brown rice is healthier than white rice? Study finds a high level of carcinogen in brown rice“.
Pesticides, preservatives, garment metals – Everything can sound scary out of context. But for most people, health risks are not coming from our foods in tiny quantities – they come from our daily choices.
What must worry us
In countries such as the United Kingdom, less than one in 1,000 people follow all aspects of national eating guidelines. This means that most people is not consuming fruits, vegetables and full cereals enough – and this is a much bigger problem.
In fact, a Poor diet is a greater cause of illness and death premature worldwide than smoking or alcohol. Two of the main food risk factors? Consume too much salt and not consume sufficient whole grains.
As cardiovascular diseases, The leading cause of death in the world for decades kill about 20 million people a year. During Covid’s pandemic, they were more deadly than the virus itself. One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is to consume more whole grains.
Therefore, although it is true that brown rice has more arsenic than white rice, Do not eat brown riceor other whole grains may represent a greater risk to health.
If you are lucky enough to choose what to eat, take a moment to reflect on how your habits align with national eating guidelines. If you are already eating well, great – continue like this. If not, start with small changes: Introduce some whole grains and reduce salt consumption, suggests Brownlee.
And if you are not yet convinced about brown rice, there is no problem. Choose another whole cereal that works for you. Others full cereal options To choose from include oats, quinoa, barley and pasta and whole wheat bread.
Only Don’t let a misunderstood detail On the arsenium scare you and move away from one of the most positive food choices you can make.
