Think brown rice is healthier than white rice? Study finds high levels of carcinogen in brown rice in the US

Brown rice has always been hailed for its excellent health benefits. However, a new study has highlighted some shocking results.

As per a study published in the journal Risk Analysis, highlights a food safety concern associated with brown rice and compares "potential arsenic exposure and the associated risks between brown and white rice for US populations."

"Rice bran and brown rice are shown to have a higher arsenic content and inorganic arsenic concentration than the grain endosperm or white rice. Americans who regularly consume brown rice versus white rice were found to have higher estimated arsenic exposures. Because young children consume considerably more food relative to their bodyweights than adults, brown rice consumption in young children was found to more substantially increase foodborne arsenic exposures," the researchers have said.

The researchers found that brown rice contains 24% more arsenic and 40% more inorganic arsenic than white rice.

What is arsenic and how can it impact health?
Arsenic might sound like something out of a crime thriller, but it’s actually a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust. It’s present in water, soil, and even the air around us. The problem is, while it’s natural, it’s also toxic — especially in its inorganic form, which is the type more commonly found in contaminated water and some foods like rice.

Arsenic isn’t something you will taste or smell in your food or water, which makes it a sneaky health hazard. It can build up in your system over time if you’re exposed to it regularly. Long-term exposure, even in small amounts, is where the real concern lies.

So, what can it do to your body? A lot, unfortunately. Chronic arsenic exposure has been linked to some pretty serious health issues. First off, it’s classified as a carcinogen — that means it can increase your risk of certain cancers, especially skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. It doesn’t stop there. Arsenic can also mess with your cardiovascular system, potentially leading to heart disease and high blood pressure. Your liver, skin, and nervous system can also take a hit. In kids, the impact can be even worse. High arsenic levels during early development have been associated with lower IQ, learning difficulties, and growth problems. It can also weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

"The values reported in the analysis indicate that there is a potential risk to harmful exposure to arsenic from brown rice among children under the age of 5. However, the daily inorganic arsenic exposure for most Americans within the analysis did not rise to a level that was a concern to pose elevated risks of harmful health outcomes," the researchers have said.