Moldy Rice
If you store rice in a damp environment for a long time, your rice grains can become damaged and moldy. When that happens, they will produce harmful bacteria and aflatoxin, which can damage organs such as the liver and kidneys. Even if you remove the moldy portion, the rice grains might still contain toxins and are not suitable for cooking.
Expired Rice
Expired rice refers to rice that has been stored for a long time and is “too old.” As they are often exposed to environmental factors, the nutrients can be lost and harmful substances like aflatoxin, a cancer-causing agent, can be produced, causing damage to the liver, kidneys, etc. Therefore, if you find that rice has been stored for a long time, it is best not to consume it to avoid potential harm.
Rice with Excessive Cadmium Content
Not everyone knows that cadmium is one of the heavy metals that can have a negative impact on human kidneys and nervous system. If the water and soil used for rice cultivation contain high levels of this substance, the harvested rice will also exceed the allowable cadmium content.
Using this type of rice for a prolonged period can result in serious kidney and nervous system diseases. Therefore, you can carefully check before purchasing rice or reduce the risk of cadmium absorption by diversifying your diet.
Flavored Rice
Usually, people are fond of fragrant rice because it is very appealing when cooked. However, you should also know that to achieve such a pleasant smell, many additives and flavorings are often used. If you unintentionally purchase rice from unreliable sources, it can potentially affect your health.
Polished Rice
Although polished rice grains have a shiny and smooth appearance, the nutritional content in them is no longer as high as before. The polishing process wears away the outer bran layer and many nutrients on the rice surface, reducing the nutritional value…
Moreover, many production facilities use unsafe substances, such as talc powder or formaldehyde, for polishing. Consequently, consuming such rice regularly over an extended period can have serious adverse effects on health.
How to Choose Good and Safe Rice
Focus on Rice Grain Quality
When buying rice, you can observe their appearance. Good-quality rice grains are usually evenly sized, fine, and free from many impurities. Their color is also moderately bright and slightly yellow.
In addition, good rice often has a pleasant fragrance and is not musty or sour.
Buy Freshly Harvested or Newly Produced Rice