Health · Full coverage

Dietitian Explains Why Washing Rice Before Cooking Is Beneficial But Not Enough to Remove Arsenic

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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First reported by N12 · 2 hours ago

What happened

Dietitian Yarden Ovadia explains that washing rice removes surface dirt but does not significantly reduce arsenic inside the grains. Cooking rice in excess water and draining it is the most effective way to lower arsenic exposure. Washing rice is still recommended for cleanliness and culinary reasons, while maintaining a varied diet helps reduce health risks.

  • 01Washing rice removes surface dirt and starch but does not significantly reduce arsenic inside grains.
  • 02Rice absorbs inorganic arsenic from soil and water, which poses health risks if consumed excessively.
  • 03The FDA confirms washing rice minimally affects arsenic levels and may reduce added nutrients.
  • 04Cooking rice in large water volumes and draining it can cut arsenic content by 40-60%.
  • 05Washing rice is recommended for cleanliness and texture, not as a primary arsenic reduction method.
  • 06A varied diet and occasional grain substitution are advised to limit arsenic exposure.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story

Full coverage · 2 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

N12Center · Hebrew2 hours ago
Dietitian Explains Why Washing Rice Before Cooking Is Beneficial But Not Enough to Remove Arsenic
MakoCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago
Dietitian Explains Why Washing Rice Before Cooking Is Beneficial But Not a Solution for Arsenic

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