Can We Drink Rice Washed Water? Risks and Benefits Explained

January 14, 2026 •

5 min read

For centuries, rice water has been a traditional remedy for everything from skincare to upset stomachs in many cultures. This starchy byproduct of cooking or soaking rice contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, but the question remains: Can we drink rice washed water and is it safe for internal consumption?.

Quick Summary

This article discusses the safety of drinking rice water, exploring both its claimed nutritional benefits and the potential risks, such as arsenic contamination and bacterial growth. It provides guidance on proper preparation to minimize hazards and make an informed decision.

Key Points

Safety Concerns: Potential risks include bacterial contamination from Bacillus cereus and exposure to inorganic arsenic, especially from boiled rice water.
Traditional Use vs. Modern Risks: While traditionally used for digestive and energy benefits, modern understanding of contaminants like arsenic adds a significant layer of risk.
Boiling vs. Soaking: Boiled rice water (Kanji) is less prone to bacterial growth than soaked rice water, but it can concentrate inorganic arsenic.
Fermentation Risks: Fermenting rice water enhances probiotics but requires strict hygiene to avoid spoilage and dangerous bacterial proliferation.
Moderation is Key: Due to potential arsenic content, limiting consumption is recommended, and pregnant women and children should exercise extra caution.
Nutritional Value: While it contains some vitamins and minerals, the nutrient concentration in rice water is minimal compared to consuming whole foods.
Safer Alternatives: A balanced diet and commercially prepared electrolyte solutions offer safer, more reliable paths to achieving the same health benefits.

Understanding the Different Types of Rice Water

Before determining whether to consume it, it's crucial to distinguish between the types of rice water. The method of preparation significantly impacts the nutritional profile and safety of the final liquid. The three main types are:

Soaked Rice Water: This is made by soaking raw rice in water for 30 minutes to a few hours, then straining the cloudy liquid. Soaking draws out some of the surface nutrients and starch, but it can also release contaminants and can harbor bacteria if left out too long.
Boiled Rice Water (Kanji): This is the milky, nutrient-rich water left over after boiling rice. This process can kill many bacteria, making it generally safer than soaked rice water, but it may also concentrate inorganic arsenic absorbed from the soil.
Fermented Rice Water: This involves leaving soaked rice water at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, which promotes fermentation. This process increases the probiotic content but requires careful sanitation to prevent spoilage and potentially harmful bacterial growth.

Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Rice Water

Proponents of drinking rice water point to a number of potential health benefits, many of which are backed by traditional use and some emerging research.

Boosts Digestive Health

Rice water has a long history as a home remedy for digestive issues. Its starchy content is known to soothe an upset stomach and firm up stools, making it a traditional treatment for diarrhea. In some cultures, fermented rice water is even used to aid digestion due to its probiotic content.

Provides Energy and Hydration

Rich in carbohydrates, particularly starch, rice water offers a quick and easy source of energy. This makes it a popular morning drink in some cultures and a useful fluid for rehydrating during periods of illness or fatigue. It can also help replenish electrolytes lost during dehydration, though commercially available rehydration solutions are typically more balanced.

Nourishes Skin and Hair (Ingested Benefits)

While most people use rice water topically for beauty benefits, ingesting it can also contribute to overall health that reflects on your skin and hair. The vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium, help nourish the body from the inside out, which can support healthier skin and hair growth.

Strengthens the Immune System

The vitamins and minerals found in rice water, particularly when fermented, can support immune function. This is due to the antioxidant properties of compounds like ferulic acid and the immune-boosting effects of a healthy gut microbiome.

Serious Risks and Considerations for Consumption

Despite the perceived benefits, drinking rice water is not without risks, and several significant factors need consideration.

The Risk of Arsenic Contamination

Perhaps the most concerning risk is the presence of inorganic arsenic. Rice plants absorb arsenic from the soil, and this can be transferred into the rice and, consequently, the water it is cooked or soaked in. The levels can be significant enough that some experts advise against daily consumption of rice water, particularly if boiled, as this can concentrate the arsenic. High exposure to arsenic is linked to various serious health issues, including certain cancers, heart disease, and developmental problems. To mitigate this risk, some recommend washing rice thoroughly before preparing the water and using a higher ratio of water to rice, or opting for organic rice from regions with lower arsenic levels. A study has shown that soaking unwashed rice in cold water for 30 minutes can result in lower arsenic levels in the water, but this method carries other risks.

Potential for Bacterial Contamination

Leaving rice and its water at room temperature can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, particularly Bacillus cereus. This bacteria can produce heat-resistant toxins that cause food poisoning, even after the liquid is reheated. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This risk is highest with fermented or soaked rice water left unrefrigerated for extended periods. Proper hygiene and refrigeration are essential if you choose to consume it.

High Starch and Carbohydrate Content

For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar, the high carbohydrate and starch content of rice water can be problematic. Excessive consumption can cause blood sugar spikes. The binding properties of the starch, while helpful for diarrhea, can also cause constipation if consumed in excess.

Comparison of Rice Water Types


Aspect	Soaked Rice Water	Boiled Rice Water (Kanji)	Fermented Rice Water
Preparation	Soaking raw rice in water.	Straining water after boiling rice.	Allowing soaked water to ferment for days.
Arsenic Risk	Moderate; depends on initial rice washing and soaking duration.	High; boiling can concentrate inorganic arsenic.	Moderate; similar to soaked water but requires more caution.
Bacterial Risk	High; raw rice can harbor B. cereus spores.	Low; boiling kills most bacteria.	Moderate to High; requires strict hygiene to avoid harmful bacterial growth.
Key Benefits	Source of hydration and some nutrients.	Energy boost, aids digestion, hydration.	Probiotics, enhanced nutrient absorption.
Best for	Quick hydration with minimal prep (with risks).	Digestive aid for diarrhea.	Improving gut microbiome (if prepared safely).

How to Safely Prepare and Drink Rice Water

If you decide to drink rice water, especially the boiled or fermented kind, here are some steps to minimize risks:

Rinse Thoroughly: Wash raw rice several times with fresh, clean water before proceeding. This helps remove some surface pesticides and contaminants.
Use Quality Rice: Choose organic rice from known low-arsenic regions. This is particularly important if you plan to consume it regularly.
Use Safe Preparation Methods: Opt for the boiling method (Kanji) to reduce bacterial risk. If fermenting, use clean, sterilized containers and refrigerate immediately after the fermentation period is complete. Discard any water with an off smell or unusual discoloration.
Practice Moderation: Limit your consumption of rice water, especially boiled varieties, to reduce potential exposure to concentrated inorganic arsenic.

Caution: Pregnant women, young children, individuals with diabetes, or those with compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming rice water, particularly due to the arsenic and bacterial risks. The health risks may outweigh any potential benefits for these vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

While drinking rice washed water is a traditional practice with potential benefits like boosting energy, aiding digestion, and improving hydration, it carries significant risks, most notably inorganic arsenic exposure and bacterial contamination. While anecdotal evidence supports its use, and some studies hint at benefits, these are often offset by valid safety concerns. The safest approach is to exercise caution and moderation, particularly with boiled or fermented versions. For those seeking nutritional benefits, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, like legumes, fruits, and vegetables, is a more effective and safer path than relying on rice water. For information on improving overall nutrition, consider consulting reputable sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating rice water into your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some claim rice water can aid weight loss by promoting fullness, experts suggest this is not scientifically sound. It is a low-calorie drink but a single beverage cannot cause weight loss. A diet rich in fiber from whole foods is a safer, more effective approach.

Yes, rice plants can absorb inorganic arsenic from the soil, which can end up in the water used to cook or soak the rice. Boiling rice, especially in less water, can concentrate this arsenic, raising concerns about regular consumption.

To reduce arsenic, you should rinse rice thoroughly before cooking and consider soaking it in cold water, as this method has shown lower levels in the water. Using organic rice from regions with low arsenic levels also helps.

Yes, if rice water is left at room temperature, it can harbor the bacteria Bacillus cereus, which produces heat-resistant toxins. This risk is higher with soaked or fermented rice water that is not handled hygienically.

Fermented rice water contains probiotics and nutrients but poses a high risk of bacterial contamination if not prepared and stored hygienically. Store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator and discard it after a few days.

Pregnant women, young children, individuals with diabetes, and those with compromised immune systems should be cautious due to potential arsenic exposure and bacterial risks. It is best to consult a healthcare provider first.

Excessive intake of rice water can lead to constipation due to its high starch content. It may also cause gas, bloating, or mineral imbalances if consumed in large quantities.

Kanji refers to boiled rice water and is traditionally used to aid digestion. While boiling kills most bacteria, it can concentrate arsenic, so it should be consumed in moderation and prepared with rinsed, high-quality rice.