The Betrayal of a Supposedly Healthy Food... Inorganic Arsenic, a Group 1 Carcinogen, Found at "Significantly High Levels"

Brown Rice Contains 40% More Inorganic Arsenic, a Group 1 Carcinogen, Than White Rice

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Although more people are choosing brown rice over white rice for health reasons, a new study has found that brown rice may actually contain higher levels of inorganic arsenic than white rice, potentially posing health risks.

On April 15 (local time), Fortune and other U.S. media outlets reported, citing research from Michigan State University and others, that a comparative analysis of arsenic exposure in brown and white rice revealed that rice bran contains a significantly high level of inorganic arsenic, which is classified as a carcinogen.

Inorganic arsenic is a heavy metal designated as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the World Health Organization (WHO). While organic arsenic is rapidly expelled from the human body, inorganic arsenic?found in pesticides and insecticides?can increase cancer risk if consumed in large amounts or accumulated over a long period.

The study found that brown rice contains about 24% more total arsenic and approximately 40% more inorganic arsenic compared to white rice. In some cases, the arsenic concentration in brown rice was up to 10 times higher than in white rice. For adults, the difference in arsenic content between brown and white rice is unlikely to pose a significant health risk. However, the researchers pointed out that it could be problematic for children under the age of five, who consume more food relative to their body weight.

Therefore, while brown rice is nutritionally superior to white rice, it may also contain higher levels of toxic substances. The research team explained, "This study is not a warning to avoid brown rice altogether," adding, "It can be interpreted as a call for parents and caregivers of young children to exercise particular caution."

To reduce concerns, it is recommended to wash rice until the water runs clear or to soak it thoroughly and discard the soaking water before cooking with fresh water, as these methods can lower arsenic content. Additionally, to enjoy the health benefits of brown rice, it is advised to eat it alongside mineral-rich side dishes.