Why You Shouldn’t Wash Rice Too Vigorously: Balancing Cleanliness and Nutritional Value

There is a common misconception that washing rice too thoroughly can lead to the loss of important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, iron, and zinc. However, this is not entirely true. While it is important to clean rice of dirt and impurities, washing it too vigorously or for too long can cause these essential nutrients to be washed away.

On the other hand, not washing rice before cooking can also be harmful as it may contain microplastic particles, dirt, sand particles, gravel particles, and potentially harmful substances like inorganic arsenic. This can greatly affect the nutritional value of the rice. Therefore, it is important to wash rice gently and stir it lightly before draining the water.

To ensure that your rice cooks cleanly and deliciously, avoid kneading or soaking it for too long before cooking. Simply remove any debris or grit you find before cooking and wash your hands thoroughly before rinsing the rice to prevent dirt from sticking to it. By following these simple steps, you can prepare clean and nutritious rice that is flavorful and easy to digest.