Rice Has Arsenic?

Photo by cookbookman17

So it seems... This is the latest news about yet another consumable that us Americans have to worry about.  

A few months ago, the news came out that fruit juice, especially apple juice, was bad for infants because it contained arsenic. A reasonable conclusion would also lead us to believe that it is probably bad for adults too! Well, now according to Reuters, we should also have to start worrying about eating rice. Rice of all things! The staple food for so many people around the world. The symbol of nutrition for 3rd world countries...

How can this be, you might ask? Well, Reuters' information stated that farmers give arsenic to poultry and hogs, to prevent disease. Then, the waste of these animals goes to fertilize crop fields! The contaminated fields are used to grow all kinds of food. That's why they are stating that arsenic is not just in rice, but in vegetables, fruits and seafood, as well!

If you are like me and love brown rice, you and I will need to start eating more white rice instead! Why? Because, brown rice has more arsenic. This is due to the arsenic, concentrating mostly on the healthier outer layer of the brown rice. White rice, has that layer taken off. So much for eating more fiber!

For more information go to Reuters.