Wash rice properly: Don't underestimate the health benefits

Wash rice properly: Don't underestimate the health benefits

Washing rice is often neglected, even though it is very important from a health perspective. Rice is a popular side dish in cuisines worldwide and contains many nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins and protein. There are many varieties of rice, with long grain rice such as basmati and jasmine and short grain rice such as risotto and sushi rice being among the most popular.

The main reason why rice should be washed before cooking is because of the arsenic contamination of the rice grains. This substance can be harmful to health and can accumulate in the grains. It has been found that there may also be elevated levels of other pollutants such as cadmium, mineral oil components and pesticides. Brown rice is more susceptible to arsenic contamination because it still contains the silver skin that is removed from white rice.

Not all types of rice need to be washed, as risotto rice, for example, is less contaminated with arsenic than other types. Special types of rice such as risotto, milk and paella rice require the starchy layer to achieve the desired consistency. When washing the rice, care should be taken to rinse it thoroughly with water and pour off the excess water.

Researchers have found that you can reduce arsenic exposure when cooking rice by boiling the rice for five minutes, changing the water and finishing cooking it at a low temperature. Although rice can be part of a healthy diet, it is not necessarily beneficial for weight loss. Even with sushi, attention should be paid to the quality and preparation of the rice in order to minimize possible health risks.