These Natural Methods will Reduce Harmful Arsenic in Your Rice

Arsenic is an element commonly found in the soil, water, and in the air. Small quantities of it are present in most foods. However, if consumed in excess over an extended period of time, it can result in higher rates of skin, bladder, and lung cancer, as well as heart disease, according to the FDA.

Unfortunately, rice is a leading source of arsenic due to its tendency to absorb more arsenic than other plants, and because of the regularity with which it is consumed by many. This is especially important for all the vegetarians and vegans out there for whom rice is a staple part of their diet.

Here's what you can do to minimize the arsenic concentrations in your rice:

• Cook your rice in excess water

This can result in a 40-60% decrease in the amount of arsenic in various types of rice, according to an article on PubMed. This is a quick and easy fix that applies to brown rice, parboiled rice, and polished rice.

• Add cilantro or garlic to your rice

Who knew that making your rice healthier could be so tasty? Cilantro and garlic remove heavy metals from foods, including rice, through chelation. Chelation is a process through which heavy metals, like arsenic, are removed from the bloodstream.  Furthermore, many common recipes using rice also involve garlic or cilantro, so there are no complex methods involved. If you're looking for some super easy recipe inspiration, keep reading!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Image & Recipe: Mexican Please

Garlic Fried Rice

Image & Recipe: Vegetarian Times

Mexican Rice

                                                      Image & Recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch