Rice, particularly brown rice, tends to be seen as a type of benign food.
In fact, many people assume that brown rice is a safe, healthy option – largely because of its high fiber and protein content. And the same is true for brown rice protein powders.
The truth, unfortunately, is that there is one dangerous ingredient that is commonly in brown rice, and protein supplements made from it. What is this ingredient? How did it get into brown rice protein and how can you avoid it?
The Culprit
So, what is this ingredient found in brown rice?
Arsenic – a highly toxic trace element, that naturally appears in the environment. Although all forms of arsenic are dangerous, there are two forms – inorganic and organic. Of these two types, inorganic arsenic – generally found in rocks or water - is far more toxic. Over time, exposure to arsenic can cause cancers, diabetes, heart disease and even impaired cognitive function.
But, how does this substance get into rice? Why is brown rice of particular concern? As mentioned, inorganic arsenic is natural found in water. Because of commercial mining, chemical fertilizers and other human activities that lead to increased pollution, arsenic levels around the world have increased.
From there, the arsenic drains into ground water. This, on its own is extremely dangerous. Since rice is grown in flooded fields, however, it is the highest food source of inorganic arsenic.
Brown rice, in particular, contains much higher levels of the toxin for the same reason that people tend to believe it is healthier: it includes the hulls.
The fibrous outer hull of the brown rice, which is removed when it is processed into white rice, collects the highest concentrations of arsenic. This includes brown rice protein powders and any other products taken from the rice.
Keeping Clean
The location from which the rice is sourced and the tools used to grow it all have a major impact on the arsenic levels in the final product.
Naked Nutrition uses only organically-grown brown rice that has been independently tested for heavy metals like arsenic. Because of the clean growing methods, and rigorous process, you can be sure that the brown rice protein offered by Naked is free from dangerously high levels of arsenic.