What White Rice and Brown Rice don't have in common.

I think it is safe to say that in the health food world, brown is the new white.  Many people have defaulted their rice choice to brown.  It has been preached over and over again for quite some time that brown is the new white.  Not even that, but to eliminate white rice out of your diet all together.  For many this was an absolute no when it came to sushi, not only because of the flavor but because traditional japanese sushi restaurants simply do not have a brown option.  Well sushi loves and those of you that are choking down brown rice because it is the healthier rice, I have good news for you.  White Rice might in fact be the best choice and this is why...

The number one reason and reason that should convince you enough is the fact that White Rice, unlike brown rice doesn't have arsenic relations.  Okay well I shouldn't say none, but a far less amount than their friends of the brown rice world.  It is shown that brown rice has higher levels of arsenic in them because a lot more arsenic is bound to the gran of the grain.  Yes any plant can take up arsenic from its growing conditions but rice is one of those foods that is often grown in waterlogged conditions.  Arsenic is easily dissolved in water---> rice grows in water conditions---> high levels of arsenic present.  Arsenic is toxic.  There are studies shown that it can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths and cancer to name a few.

Check this link out for more information: arsenic in rice

The truth is we can't all grow our own food.  That would be the best solution for this problem.  However, rest assure that California has a lower percentage than other rice growers.  At the store see if you can find out where your source of rice is growing at and make sure to find local!  Also you may want to check out rice from thailand.  It is said that they have the lowest levels and as an extra bonus I think the countries are banned genetically modified rice.  Double winner.

Also you can practice rinsing your rice, if you don't do it the asian way already.  Rinse your rice until it runs clear before cooking your rice.  It is said that it can reduce up to 30% of anything that is hanging out on the grains.

The bottom line is to task yourself if you truly like the taste of brown rice.  If you do and want to stick to it, go for it.  There are a lot of health benefits that still do come with brown rice.  Like all foods, moderation is key.  Switching up grains is beneficial.  See how many different ancient grains you can eat in the month.  Also word on the streams is that the more aromatic rice is lower in arsenic as well :-)