Rice Milk Dangers

The name rice milk itself suggests that it is a liquid product derived from rice grains. It is pure white in color, similar to regular milk. In some regions where the use of word 'milk' is banned except for animal based milk, it is sold as rice drink. While there are no major rice milk dangers associated with homemade version, some of the store-bought products are found to contain traces of chemicals and preservatives.

Dangers of Rice Milk

Since rice milk is formulated with health objectives, brown rice is used as the base ingredient. In the market, you will find both sweetened (containing sugarcane syrup) and unsweetened types of rice milk. Accordingly, actual rice milk nutrition facts vary from one brand to another, and also based on how much you are serving in each time. Taste wise, even the unsweetened rice drink is mildly sweet, which is because of the enzymatic action that converts carbs into glucose and simple sugar forms.

As compared to dairy milk, this grain milk contains higher amount of carbohydrates, but lesser proteins, calcium, lactose and other nutrients. So, it won't be wrong to say that rice milk nutritional value is inferior to animal milk. And to make up these nutrients, commercial rice milk products are fortified with vitamins and minerals during the production process. Unfortunately, this vegetarian milk contains food additives that cause adverse health effects. Thus, adding preservative is partly responsible for associated rice milk dangers.

The nutritional value of plain rice milk that contains no vitamins and minerals is lower than white bread. This is because carbohydrate is the only major nutrient found in brown rice. And if this partially milled rice is further processed, what you get is milk that lacks nutrients, except for carbs. Hence, many people are of the opinion that rice milk is not a reliable drink to replace milk.

As per studies conducted on rice drink and alike rice grain products, they contain a low percentage (almost negligible) of arsenic. It is toxic and serves as a carcinogenic agent in specific dosage. In a latest study to check rice milk dangers, 60 samples of rice drinks are taken to examine the presence of arsenic. Almost all the products contain a very low amount of arsenic in them, but higher than the safe limit.

The contamination of arsenic in rice milk is linked to usage of pesticides and chemical based product in rice field. Considering the presence of arsenic, consuming large amount of rice milk on a daily basis poses risk for accumulation of this carcinogenic substance. The conclusion is rice milk is not safe for feeding young children as a replacement for milk. So, to be on the safer side, consult a dietitian before taking it daily.

Rice milk problems may arise due to sweeteners and vegetable oils (in some brands) added in the products. Even if the sweetening agent is natural (sugarcane juice or sugary syrup), anything related to sweetness increases the calorie count. Also, sweetened rice milk is not suggested for diabetic patients and people who are predisposed to heart diseases.

For people who are sensitive to lactose, rice drink along with almond milk and other plant-based milk products are considered as excellent milk substitutes. Also, patients having phenylketonuria and those who cannot digest soy milk rely on rice drink to reap the health benefits of milk. As far as rice milk side effects are concerned, selecting a reliable organic based product is a simple way to minimize the probable negative effects. Or else, you can consider making homemade rice milk from cooked brown rice.

In an approach to reduce rice milk dangers, try homemade rice milk recipe with brown rice. All you need are 1 cup cooked organic rice, 4 cups hot water and flavoring extract (vanilla or chocolate). Blend cooked rice, water and in a food processor, until you get a slurry form. Allow it to settle down in the mixer for sometime, and separate the top liquid portion carefully, or use a cheesecloth for the purpose. While making this lactose free milk for kids, you can use honey to improve its taste.