Arsenic in Rice: Comparing Brands and Reducing Exposure
Rice is a staple food for billions of people worldwide, but the presence of arsenic in rice has been a concern for many. While some rice brands known for their quality, like Uncle Bens and Farmers Market, have higher levels of arsenic, there are other options available. This article explores brands that have lower arsenic levels and provides tips on reducing arsenic exposure through cooking techniques.
Brands with Lower Arsenic Levels
When it comes to choosing rice with lower levels of arsenic, some brands stand out. While no rice is completely free of arsenic, certain varieties and brands have been found to have significantly lower levels. Two such brands are:
Lundberg: Lundberg Family Farms is committed to using sustainable farming practices and testing their rice to ensure it has lower levels of arsenic. Their organic rice products, in particular, are known for having lower arsenic levels. Tilda: Another brand that focuses on minimizing arsenic levels is Tilda. Tilda produces a range of rice that has been tested and shown to have lower arsenic content compared to other brands.Low-Arsenic Rice Varieties
Besides these brands, certain rice varieties are naturally lower in arsenic. Some of the best options include:
Basmati Rice: This aromatic rice variety, native to India and Pakistan, is known for its low arsenic content. It is grown in clay soils that naturally have low arsenic levels. Jasmine Rice: Originating from Thailand, Jasmine rice is another variety with lower arsenic levels. The soil and climatic conditions in Thailand typically result in rice with lower arsenic content.Reducing Arsenic Exposure Through Cooking Techniques
Even if you choose lower-arsenic rice varieties or brands, it is still beneficial to adopt certain cooking methods to further reduce any arsenic present. Here are some effective techniques:
Rinsing Rice Thoroughly
Thoroughly rinsing your rice before cooking can help remove some surface arsenic. It is recommended to rinse the rice several times under running water until the water runs clear.
Using More Water During Cooking
Cooking rice with more water than usual can also help reduce arsenic content. The USDA recommends using a ratio of 6:1 water to rice (6 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice). Letting the excess water drain off before serving can further reduce the arsenic content.
Avoiding High-Arsenic Water Sources
In areas where well water may have high arsenic levels, using filtered or treated tap water for cooking rice can help reduce the overall arsenic content. Additionally, if possible, using distilled water for cooking can also minimize arsenic exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there any brand of rice that is completely free of arsenic?
A: No rice is completely free of arsenic. Even the lowest-arsenic rice varieties and brands contain trace amounts of arsenic. Therefore, it is important to focus on minimizing exposure through proper cooking techniques and choosing lower-arsenic brands.
Q: Which rice brands have the lowest levels of arsenic?
A: Brand names such as Lundberg and Tilda are known for having lower levels of arsenic. Other good options include Basmati rice from India and Pakistan, and Jasmine rice from Thailand, which are naturally lower in arsenic.
Q: How can I reduce my exposure to arsenic in rice?
A: Reducing exposure to arsenic in rice can be achieved through proper cooking techniques. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking and cooking with more water than usual can help. Additionally, using filtered or distilled water and choosing lower-arsenic varieties, as mentioned, can also help minimize exposure.