Organic Rice Is Free From Arsenic

Often sold at a more expensive price does not make organic rice deserted enthusiasts. Because, some people assume, organic rice and other organic foods tend to be healthier, tastier, and more nutritious. Although organic rice tends to be healthier, you should pay attention to the arsenic content found in organic rice. Because just like ordinary rice, organic rice is also likely to contain arsenic, a substance that has a bad effect on health.

Get to know Organic Foods

Before discussing more about arsenic in organic rice, first know what organic food is. Organic foods that are now easy to find, are foods that are grown or made using natural methods. In organic plants, chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, not used at all or very limited. The processing process also does not use synthetic food additives and does not use radiation aids.

Organic Rice Also Contains Arsenic

Although organic foods tend not to be exposed to chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, there is still an arsenic content in organic foods, including organic rice. Arsenic is a chemical element that can be found in soil, air and water. Plants can contain arsenic due to absorption from soil and water. For rice planted in rice fields, for example, arsenic can be absorbed not only from the pesticides used, but also from irrigation water flowing through the fields. Irrigation water that has been contaminated with arsenic can cause rice, including organic rice, to be contaminated with this material. Arsenic that builds up on the soil used for planting can also cause organic rice or other plants to be contaminated with arsenic.

Arsenic Danger For Health

Although not only rice can be contaminated with arsenic, rice can absorb arsenic from soil and water more, compared to other types of plants. If absorbed by the body, arsenic can be dangerous to health. At low levels, exposure to arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, damage to blood vessels, and a decrease in the number of red blood cells and white blood cells in the body. While at high levels and long-term exposure, arsenic can increase your risk for developing lung cancer, bladder cancer, skin cancer, and heart disease. Organic rice is healthier but still must be treated properly so that the arsenic content that endangers the body can be eroded. The trick is to wash rice using plenty of water and make sure the water used is not contaminated with arsenic. It is recommended to wash 1 cup of rice with a minimum of 6 cups of water, so that the arsenic in the rice can be rinsed. Organic rice can be a healthy food choice. However, consider also how to process it, in order to obtain optimal benefits.