The Claim

Soaking rice in water and discarding the soak water reduces the concentration of arsenic in the rice.

Source: Cardiologist Warns: These Everyday “Healthy” Foods Harm Your Heart

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
20score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
3 studies reviewed
In plain English

Soaking rice in water and throwing out the water lowers the amount of arsenic left in the rice.

See the scientific wording

Soaking rice in water and discarding the soak water reduces its arsenic content.

Why this might work

When rice is soaked in water, arsenic dissolved in the outer layers of the grain moves into the water. When the water is thrown away, the arsenic is removed from the rice.

Verified mechanismbased on 3 studies

What the research says

3 studies

  1. Study: The assessment of rice cultivars widely produced in Turkey in terms of arsenic, cadmium, aluminum and copper: effect of soaking methods and household cooking

    Soaking rice in water and throwing out the water helps wash away some arsenic, and this study shows it works—even better if you add salt or vinegar, but plain water still helps.

  2. Study: Effects of washing, soaking and domestic cooking on cadmium, arsenic and lead bioaccessibilities in rice.

    Soaking rice in water and pouring it out helps wash away some of the arsenic, just like rinsing dirt off vegetables. The study found this simple step really does lower the bad stuff in rice.

  3. Study: Rice Water—More a Source of Nutrition Elements or Toxic Arsenic? Multi-Element Analysis of Home-Made (Natural) Rice Water and Commercialized Rice-Based Products Using (HG)-ICP OES

    Soaking rice in lots of cold water for half an hour and then throwing out that water removes a lot of the arsenic, leaving the rice safer to eat while keeping its good nutrients.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 3 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.