From the Research
The safe quantity of raw rice consumption per day in regards to arsenic exposure is generally considered to be about 1/2 cup (or 90 grams) of uncooked rice for adults, based on the most recent and highest quality study available 1. To minimize arsenic exposure:
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking
- Use a ratio of 6 cups water to 1 cup rice when cooking
- Drain excess water after cooking These practices can reduce arsenic content by up to 50% 2. Brown rice typically contains more arsenic than white rice, so consider varying your grain choices. Children should consume proportionally less, roughly 1/4 cup uncooked rice per day for young children. Key considerations for minimizing arsenic exposure include:
- Using arsenic-safe water for cooking rice, as arsenic-rich water can significantly increase exposure 1
- Being aware of the arsenic content in different types of rice, with brown rice generally containing more arsenic than white rice 3
- Limiting daily intake of rice, especially for infants and young children, to minimize the risk of arsenic-related health problems 3 This recommendation is based on balancing nutritional benefits of rice with potential arsenic risks, and prioritizes minimizing exposure to arsenic to reduce the risk of associated health problems, including certain cancers 1.