Food made from rice or rice cereals is our first choice for feeding babies, due to it being easily available in stores and short prep time. It’s important to note that rice contains high levels of inorganic arsenic, which is harmful for babies and can cause cancer or skin diseases. A market study has revealed that children who eat rice cereals and other rice-based products have more than three times the level of arsenic in their urine as compared to children who eat less or avoid rice products. This study has raised a concern among parents.
The research involved nearly 750 infants living in New Hampshire to analyze the eating habits of the babies. Scientists concluded that, by age 1, about 80 % of babies had been introduced to rice products. It’s surprising to know that such a high number of babies are consuming rice products. It has been suggested that parents should reduce using rice products during this important phase of a child’s development and also include other food product in baby’s diet.
The Food and Drug Administration have tested around 76 samples of rice cereals for verifying the concentrations of inorganic arsenic and found that most of the samples contained arsenic. So, the agency has advised parents, not to be dependent only on rice products or cereals. They should give a balance diet to the babies, including grains, wheat, oats and barley.
A wide variety of a balanced diet will reduce the danger of high arsenic level in babies. Pregnant women should also decrease the intake of rice and include other grains in their diet. We can also decrease arsenic in rice products by cooking them with water. Cook rice with high amount of water, and after boiling, drain off the extra water. It will reduce the arsenic content in rice by 50% to 60%.
For more information on nutrition for children, check out child nutrition program available online and you can also read Shaw Academy Reviews before availing the course.
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