A terrible poison like arsenic is hidden in rice, are you safe?

There has been a new concern about the presence of arsenic in rice. This is a real concern, especially for those in countries where people depend on rice.

It seems that people in this region of Asia cannot live without rice. Many Bangladeshis in particular have the habit of eating rice three times a day. But recently, some studies have revealed information that is making us think about this familiar food in a new way. Recently, several international studies and reports have raised new concerns about the presence of arsenic in rice. This is a real concern, especially for those in countries where people depend on rice.

In May of this year, the US-based research organization 'Healthy Babies Bright Futures' published a report titled "What's in Your Family's Rice?". This study examined the heavy metal content in rice and expressed concern that high levels of arsenic were found in more than 145 rice samples collected from markets across the US.

Health risks of arsenic: Arsenic is a natural element found in soil and water. Of these, inorganic arsenic is the most harmful. When arsenic-contaminated water is used in agricultural fields, rice plants absorb that water and arsenic accumulates in the rice grains. Since the land is submerged in water for a long time for rice cultivation, the presence of arsenic is more common in rice than in other crops.

Nutritionist Malina Malkani says that if arsenic accumulates in the body for a long time, it can pose serious health risks. This can lead to various types of complex diseases, such as:

Cancer: The risk of cancer, especially skin, lung and bladder, increases.

Diabetes and high blood pressure: Arsenic can also increase the risk of these diseases.

Heart and liver problems: Heart and liver complications can also occur.

Risks for children: Arsenic-containing foods can hinder the normal development of children's brains, which negatively affects their learning ability and attention.

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But should you stop eating rice: Many people may now wonder whether to give up eating rice due to the dangers of arsenic. However, experts say that there is no need to give up eating rice at all. However, if you follow some simple ways, the risk can be reduced to a great extent. These are:

Change the cooking method: Use plenty of water while cooking rice and discard the rice starch at the end of cooking. This removes about 40 to 60 percent of the arsenic in the rice.
Choose the type of rice: Some rice, like basmati or jasmine rice, contains relatively less arsenic. So keep these in your diet.
Bring variety to your diet: Instead of relying only on rice, occasionally eat foods like quinoa, barley, wheat or corn. This will reduce the chance of arsenic accumulation in the body.
Eat more vegetables: Fiber-rich foods help remove harmful elements from the body.
It is important to be aware of the risks of arsenic rather than panicking. The main solution to the problem is to cultivate with safe water. Along with this, the government should also take strict steps in this regard. It should be remembered that the harm of arsenic is not immediately understood, but rather it gradually affects the body. Therefore, it is very important to be aware.