BBC rice-cooking method to reduce natural arsenics--

AI Overview

To reduce natural (inorganic) arsenic in rice, the most effective method tested by researchers (featured on the BBC and the University of Sheffield) is parboiling with absorption (PBA). Simply rinsing rice under cold water does very little because the arsenic is absorbed inside the grain from the soil and flooded fields.

The Best Arsenic-Reduction Cooking Method (PBA)

1. Boil in excess water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil (use a high water-to-rice ratio).

2. Add the rice: Stir in your rice and boil for 5 minutes.

3. Drain the water: Pour out the boiling water, which has now drawn out a large portion of the inorganic arsenic.

4. Add fresh water: Pour in fresh water (at a standard absorption ratio, roughly 2:1) and turn the heat down to low.

5. Finish cooking: Cover the pot and let the rice cook gently on low heat until all the water is absorbed.

Why This Works

•

White rice: This 5-minute boiling and draining step removes about 73% of the inorganic arsenic.

• Brown rice: It removes more than 50% to 54% of the inorganic arsenic (brown

rice retains more arsenic because it stays concentrated in the outer bran layer).

• Nutrient retention: Unlike traditional heavy-draining methods that strip out all the minerals, this two-step approach preserves essential micronutrients while getting rid of the toxin. Watch a short summary demonstrating the 5-minute boiling and draining rice method: 1:05 YouTube 91K views · 2 days ago YouTube · Kashif Khan

Would you like tips on which types of rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine) naturally contain lower levels of arsenic, or how to prep rice safely for infants and young children? •

BBC Should I worry about arsenic in my rice? - BBC News Arsenic in Rice: Inorganic arsenic is a category one carcinogen found in soil and absorbed by rice at 10-20 times higher levels th...