Scientists have found that eating a lot of rice increases the risk of dying from heart disease due to the naturally-occurring arsenic in the crop, Report says, citing RIA Novosti.
Britons in the top 25 % of rice consumption are at a six percent risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than the bottom quarter, a study found.
The chemical gathers naturally in the crop and has repeatedly been linked to illness, dietary-related cancers, and liver disease. In severe cases, it can result in death.
Researchers at the universities of Manchester and Salford studied rice consumption in England and Wales and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases caused by arsenic exposure.
Arsenic occurs naturally in the soil and is increased in locations with arsenic-based herbicides or water laced with the toxin for irrigation purposes.
Rice is particularly vulnerable because arsenic mimics other chemicals the plant absorbed via its root system, allowing the toxin to bypass the plant's defenses.