Apparently, our soil may contain some inorganic arsenic known as a 'category one carcinogen', which is known to cause cancer in humans.
Small amounts of this arsenic may get into our foods, nothing to be concerned about. However, rice is grown in flooded fields, which seems to make the arsenic more available and absorbable by the rice grains.
How may this be harmful?
Due to the growing conditions, rice has been shown to contain about 10 - 20 times more arsenic than other cereal crops.
Eating a little rice here and there may not a big issue, however, eaten rice several times a week or daily may be detrimental to one’s health.
To reduce the arsenic levels in your rice, studies have shown that soaking rice overnight prior to cooking in a 5to1 water-to-rice ratio cuts the arsenic levels by 80%. In the event that pre-soaking is not available, instead of using the standard 2to1 water-to-rice ratio, use the 5to1 for the cooking. This helps considerably.
Read more details regarding high levels of arsenic in rice in the article by By Dr. Michael Mosley/BBC - Should I Worry About Arsenic in My Rice?
