Threat on a plate: everyday product turned out to be poisonous

Biochemist and nutritionist Anna Divinskaya in an interview with NEWS.ru spoke about the potential danger associated with rice consumption. According to her, some varieties of this grain can accumulate arsenic - a toxic element that can negatively affect health.

As the specialist explained, arsenic enters soil and water due to industrial emissions and excessive use of pesticides. Rice particularly actively absorbs substances from the environment, so in contaminated areas it may contain increased amounts of the toxin.

Divinskaya reminded that during studies at the University of California in 2018, certain rice varieties were found to exceed the permissible level of arsenic.

Nevertheless, the expert noted that proper preparation and cooking of the grain helps reduce risks. She recommends:

• thoroughly washing rice before cooking;

• cooking it in a large volume of water for five minutes;

• then draining the water, rinsing again and finishing cooking in clean water.

The nutritionist also advises preferring white rice - it contains less arsenic due to the removal of the hull during polishing. Brown rice may contain more toxic substances.

If possible, it's worth choosing domestic varieties: Russia has strict standards for controlling soil and agricultural product contamination, which makes such rice safer.

Conclusion: rice remains a valuable food product if you approach its selection and preparation with attention.