Although organic rice tends to be healthier, you should pay attention to the arsenic content in organic rice. Because just like ordinary rice, organic rice may also contain arsenic, a substance that has a negative effect on health.

Before discussing further about arsenic in organic rice, first know what organic food is. Organic food, which is now easy to find, is food that is grown or made using natural methods.

In organic crops, chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers are not used at all or are strictly limited. The processing process also does not use additional synthetic food ingredients and does not use radiation assistance.

Although organic food tends not to be exposed to chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, there is still arsenic in organic food, including organic rice. Arsenic is a chemical element that can be found in soil, air and water. Plants can contain arsenic due to absorption from soil and water.

In rice grown in paddy fields, for example, arsenic can be absorbed not only from the pesticides used, but also from irrigation water that flows through the fields. Irrigation water that has been contaminated with arsenic can cause rice, including organic rice, to be contaminated with this material. Arsenic that accumulates in the soil used for planting can also cause organic rice or other crops to be contaminated by arsenic.

Although not only rice can be contaminated by arsenic, but rice is able to absorb more arsenic from the soil and water, when compared to other types of plants.

When absorbed by the body, arsenic substances can be harmful to health. At low levels, exposure to arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, an irregular heartbeat, damage to blood vessels, and a decrease in the number of red blood cells and white blood cells in the body. While at high levels and long-term exposure, arsenic can increase the risk for lung cancer, bladder cancer, skin cancer, and heart disease.

Organic rice is indeed healthier, but it must be processed properly so that the arsenic content that harms the body can be eroded. The trick is to wash the rice using plenty of water and make sure the water used is not contaminated with arsenic. It is recommended to wash 1 cup of rice with at least 6 cups of water, so that the arsenic in the rice can be rinsed off.

Organic rice can be a healthy food choice. However, also pay attention to how to process it, in order to get optimal benefits.