Rice is a staple food for millions of people around the world, but some people believe that washing it too thoroughly can result in the loss of essential nutrients. If rice is not washed, it may contain dirt that can be harmful to the body. However, rice also contains important nutrients such as calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is advisable to wash rice gently without rubbing it too hard or soaking it for too long before cooking.
While washing rice may remove some nutrients, it also helps to eliminate microplastic particles that may be present due to transportation, packaging, and storage processes. Additionally, washing rice helps to get rid of dirt, sand particles, gravel particles, and other impurities mixed in with the rice. It also removes inorganic arsenic which is naturally present in small amounts in rice.
However, the nutritional value of rice is influenced by various factors such as the variety of rice used, soil conditions, climate and cultivation practices. Therefore, it is important to wash the rice gently without kneading it too much or soaking it for too long before cooking. It’s recommended to wash the rice by stirring gently and decanting the water to remove any pests and grit. It’s also important to remove any debris or grit present in the rice before cooking and wash your hands thoroughly after washing to prevent dirt from sticking during the process.
In conclusion while washing rice may have its benefits in removing impurities and microplastics but it should be done carefully not to lose essential nutrients that are beneficial for our health.
