"Who Knew Electric Rice Cookers Could Be This Dangerous?"... Washing Rice Out of Convenience Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

If the Inner Pot Coating Peels Off,
Risk of Kidney Damage and Dementia Increases

Many people wash rice directly in the inner pot of an electric rice cooker out of convenience. While it is easier since you do not have to transfer the washed rice to another container before cooking, experts have warned that this seemingly trivial habit could increase the risk of kidney damage and even dementia.

"If the inner pot coating peels off, aluminum is exposed... Risk of ingestion with rice"

Rice cooker stock photo unrelated to the article content. Getty Images Bank

Kang Sangwook, a professor in the Department of Chemical Energy Engineering at Sangmyung University, recently stated on the YouTube channel 'Uisachin,' "When you wash rice in the inner pot, the coating can get scratched and peel off. If the inner pot is coated over aluminum, the aluminum becomes exposed once the coating is gone," he warned. "If you cook rice in that condition, aluminum fragments can leach out and be ingested along with the rice."

He explained, "Even if you ingest aluminum, most people excrete it through the kidneys. However, if kidney function is impaired, aluminum circulates in the body and gradually accumulates. In particular, if it builds up in the brain, there are research findings that link it to dementia. The government also recommends not storing highly acidic foods in aluminum containers to prevent aluminum intake."

In fact, the inner pots of electric rice cookers are often coated with fluororesin (Teflon) or similar materials to prevent rice from sticking. Washing rice in the inner pot can cause the rice grains to scratch the surface, making the coating more susceptible to damage. During this process, exposed metal components can more easily seep into food under the high temperatures used for cooking rice.

The harmful effects of aluminum on the human body have already been pointed out multiple times in academic circles. Dr. Virginie Rondeau of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research has warned that "daily aluminum intake exceeding 0.1 mg can cause cognitive impairment." Researchers at Keele University in the United Kingdom also reported that "high concentrations of aluminum were detected in 42% of familial Alzheimer's patients." In other words, even trace amounts of aluminum, if accumulated over a long period, could potentially have adverse effects on the nervous system.

"You can't be assured just because it's stainless steel"

Professor Kang said, "You cannot be assured just because it is a stainless steel product." YouTube channel 'Uisachin'

Recently, inner pots coated with stainless steel instead of aluminum have become more common. However, you cannot be assured just because it is a stainless steel product. Professor Kang said, "If the coating peels off, then it is the stainless steel that becomes exposed. Stainless steel is not immune to corrosion forever."

He continued, "In the case of stainless steel products, a reddish color can sometimes appear, which indicates corrosion. If you cook in that state, nickel and chromium may leach out. Washing rice in the inner pot is the fastest way to cause the coating to peel off." He further advised, "If you dry the pot with residue left inside, the stainless steel will corrode more quickly. I recommend thoroughly cleaning and drying the pot after use, and if you see any reddish discoloration, replace it without hesitation."

He also emphasized, "When cleaning, use a sponge or microfiber mesh instead of a steel scrubber, and when serving rice, use a dedicated spatula rather than a metal spoon. If you dry the pot with residue still inside, corrosion will progress more quickly, so it is important to ensure it is completely dry after each use."