Toxic Grain Warning: Expert Urges Shift From US Rice Over Health Fears
Expert links arsenic exposure to rice origin, urges safer varieties and better cooking methods.
A UK-based nutritionist has sparked debate over global rice consumption after warning consumers about potential health risks linked to arsenic contamination, urging greater awareness of where rice is grown and how it is prepared.
Zib Atkins shared his advisory in a March 18 Instagram post titled “The best rice for health,” highlighting arsenic as a major concern. He explained that rice, unlike many other crops, is cultivated in flooded fields, making it particularly susceptible to absorbing arsenic from the soil. Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal known to act as both a carcinogen and a neurotoxin, raising concerns about long-term health effects from regular consumption.
Atkins specifically cautioned against consuming rice grown in the United States, citing studies that indicate higher arsenic levels in such varieties. According to him, historical pesticide use has contributed to lingering contamination in agricultural soil, increasing the likelihood of arsenic uptake by rice crops. Instead, he recommended long-grain aromatic varieties such as basmati rice, typically sourced from India and Pakistan, and jasmine rice from Thailand, which are often found to contain lower arsenic levels.
Also Read: Coffee Lovers Rejoice: 14 Days of Daily Coffee Can Improve Health, Says Expert
The nutritionist also challenged the common perception that brown rice is always the healthier choice. While brown rice retains more fibre and nutrients, Atkins pointed out that arsenic tends to accumulate in the outer bran layer of the grain. As a result, he suggested that the potential health risks associated with arsenic exposure may outweigh the nutritional benefits in some cases.
Beyond selecting rice varieties, Atkins emphasized the importance of cooking methods in reducing exposure. He advised rinsing rice thoroughly and soaking it before cooking, followed by using a higher water-to-rice ratio—similar to cooking pasta—and draining the excess water afterward. This approach, he noted, can significantly lower inorganic arsenic levels compared to traditional absorption methods.
Concluding his advisory, Atkins encouraged dietary diversity as a key strategy for minimizing risk. He recommended rotating carbohydrate sources such as potatoes, quinoa, buckwheat, and oats to avoid prolonged exposure to any single contaminant. His remarks underscore a growing focus on food safety and the need for informed dietary choices in everyday nutrition.
Also Read: Dermatologist Tells Soha Ali Khan Why Pollution, Sun and Poor Sleep are Ruining Your Skin
