Since we were children, we learn and see loved ones, like our mothers and grandmothers, cooking meals in certain ways.
Among the most common customs is that of washing food as a way of sanitizing it and making it suitable for consumption. But, in the case of rice, is it necessary to wash it before cooking it?
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To answer this question, scientific research was carried out to find out whether washing rice is necessary and good for health. You won't believe the result!
Is it necessary to wash the rice?
The answer is that washing the rice will make no difference in hygiene and bacteria removal. What happens is that when we wash this food, we remove the starch from the grains, which generates water with a milky appearance.
On the other hand, rice washing removes important nutrientssuch as potassium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. This loss of minerals and vitamins occurs when the water comes into contact with the outer layer of rice, which dissolves the nutrients.
In fact, what can directly influence the elimination of bacteria and other harmful agents is cooking at the right temperature and with the right amount of water. These habits are what will guarantee healthy eating and the correct consumption of rice, not washing it.
(Source: Freepik/Playback)
And why do we still wash the rice?
In the old days, people used to wash all food, including rice, to eliminate impurities that remained in the food even after the packaging process. And, of course, this custom persists to this day.
Furthermore, rice washing is still done by some people who believe that the texture and grain flavor it is the result of washing and subsequent cooking, providing more quality.
Some research even records that washing rice can eliminate up to 20% of plastic particles that can be accidentally ingested. In addition, the presence of arsenic is also a concern.
However, it is worth mentioning that, due to the new harvesting and storage processes, the rice arrives at our homes clean and ready for cooking. In general, there is nothing to worry about!
