(Part 2 of 3 part series on the usage of Rice and what we need to be cautious of)
pollution and chemical infestation of rice- The rice that has lower amounts of arsenic is grown in the Himalayans and includes jasmine and basmati rice (especially in India). Texas brown rice is high in arsenic due to pesticides. One source said: soak rice overnight and throw away the excess water. This will eliminate some of the arsenic. Mercury has accumulated in the soil because of industrial pollution, and it is naturally in the environment and it is used in pesticides. India imports a lot of mercury from foreign nations to be used in its industrial plants. It affects the immune system, alters genetic and enzyme systems, and damages the nervous system, including coordination and the senses of touch, taste, and sight; affects mental functioning and can lead to death, etc. Mercury is highly hazardous to aquatic life. Rice grown near industrial plants should be avoided.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RICE
BLACK RICE: Black rice has the antioxidant anthocyanin that creates the colours blue, red or purple in food. Anthocyanin rich foods are known to be: antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, and to prevent cardiovascular diseases.(pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
RED RICE: is high in magnesium and potassium and tastes nutty and earthy.
WILD RICE: is not really rice but an aquatic grass grow by Native Americans. Today it is mostly grown in man-made rice paddies, but under the organic wild rice, a label can be found at speciality food stores.
BASMATI RICE or Popcorn rice: Has the most benefits.
BAMBOO RICE: comes from the dying bamboo shoot. Like any other rice, it’s rich in various nutrients including carbohydrates, fibre and protein. The rice has low or no fat and is rich in vitamin B. It has an environmental and financial benefit: It is a major source of income for the tribal communities living in the interiors of Wayanad Sanctuary in Kerala. The area around the base of each bamboo is cleaned and all the debris formed is removed. The base is then smoothed with a slush of clay and kept to dry. Once dried, the bamboo rice is gathered then stored. Kerala uses this rice to cure joint pain owing to the presence of immense calcium and phosphorus content. Bamboo rice controls blood sugar, cholesterol and it is recommended for pregnant women to overcome vitamin deficiency. Due to its rich fibre content, constipation is prevented. Diabetic patients are recommended to consume bamboo rice due to its low glycemic index of 20 instead of normal rice.(pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
GERMINATED BROWN RICE: Has more fibre, essential amino acid, lysine, and much more gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) than regular brown rice. It is brown rice kernels that have been soak in warm water (30–40 °C) until they just begin to bud (exact time depends on water temperature but about 8 to 24 hours.). GBR accelerates the metabolism of the brain helping in preventing major diseases such as gastrointestinal cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetic and beriberi, constipation, suppressing liver damage and Alzheimer’s diseases. GBR also enhances maternal mental health and immunity during lactation.
ORGANIC Rice VERSES Pesticide Laden Rice | pollution and chemical infestation of rice
The Hindu-KARNATAKA-had an article entitled ‘Pesticide Residue In Paddy Is Above Prescribed Limit In India” DECEMBER 16, 2017. I learned that the India government approves 40 pesticides in the country for the growing of rice. Fumigation of rice by warehouses and shopkeepers is approved. Kerala State Agriculture University has reported high pesticide residue. Unfortunately, the use of pesticides by handlers has been careless using pesticides meant for cotton on rice paddies. In India there are from 5,000 to 7,000 people who die yearly from the accidental intake of pesticides and Class I (very toxic pesticides) form about one-third of the pesticides consumed in India; this refers to all products, not just rice. The Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture is seeking a review of 104 pesticides permitted in India but banned or severely restricted in other countries. Below is a small list of some of those pesticides used on rice and their affects on us and our water and other life forms. Fifty per cent of pesticides poisoning occurred in developing countries and mainly due to easier availability, misuse and improper handling mainly because of lack of awareness and India are included in this. I personally have seen Indians spraying pesticide in shorts with no protection. (pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
Carbaryl is a long-lasting, broad-spectrum pesticide that kills both insects and certain other invertebrates.
Side Effects: Caused by touching the pesticide or by inhalation during the manufacture, formulation, and application of this pesticide. The general public is affected by spray drift in regions surrounding agricultural areas. Causes: cholinesterase inhibition which impairs the central nervous system (CNS) function), resulting in nausea, vomiting, bronchoconstriction, blurred vision, convulsions, coma, and respiratory failure. However, it was stated that these are reversible if the pesticide is discontinued. Just how much is reversible I wonder.pollution and chemical infestation of rice.
Copper sulfate pentahydrate is an environmentally hazardous substance. Just how harmful is it?
From inhalation of dust, you can get Dry/sore throat. Coughing and if heated you can get a metal fever.
From Skin contact: Tingling/irritation of the skin.
From eye contact: eye tissue irritations.
From Ingestion: Metal taste, oral mucous membranes Irritation, nausea. vomiting. headache. dizziness. the feeling of weakness.
AFTER ABSORPTION OF HIGH QUANTITIES: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, change in the haemogram/blood composition, change in urine composition, disturbances of consciousness. (pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
ON CONTINUOUS/REPEATED EXPOSURE/CONTACT chronic systems include Red itching skin, skin rash/inflammation, feeling of weakness, loss of weight, coughing, possible respiratory tract inflammation, pneumonia and enlargement/affection of the liver. Workers need protective gear: clothing, face gear, and it is marked DANGEROUS.
Diflubenzuron is narrow-spectrum pesticides that have a moderate duration impact, lasting between a few days and two weeks. Environmentally diflubenzuron causes adverse acute and chronic effects to both freshwater and estuarine/marine invertebrates, including endangered species and to aquatic invertebrates therefore it should not be used near water. It is non- toxic to bees and birds. Workers must wear protective gear, and it seems to affect the haemoglobin of animals. Moderate exposure over a lifetime in humans may cause liver and spleen issues.(pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
Lambda-cyhalothrin (sold as Warrior and Has 14 trade names), a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide. It must contain a warning label. If it touches your skin or is swallowed it is toxic, may cause eye and respiratory irritation, can affect the peripheral nervous system, resulting in convulsions or ataxia, damage organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. It is toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects. (pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
Malathion. The Endangered Species Act states that Malathion can harm 97% of the 1,782 mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and plants. Malathion is commonly used to treat fruit, vegetables and plants for pests, tick removal on pets. A period of 12 hours to 6 days is required from the time of spraying malathion and the re-entry of a worker in the field. In the air, it breaks down into a more toxic substance. The public can get it from taking in contaminated food, water and through touch at playgrounds and pavement where places have been sprayed for mosquitos. Here are its side effects on health: may cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea, watery eyes, blurred vision, salivation, sweating, headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and death. (pollution and chemical infestation of rice)
Article 3 continues the rice story.