CreatripTeam

A chemistry and energy engineering professor warns that washing rice directly inside the inner pot of electric rice cookers can increase exposure to metal particles if the pot's coating is damaged. Many inner pots are made with an aluminum base or stainless steel coating; when the coating peels, aluminum (or nickel and chromium from stainless steel) can leach into food. While healthy kidneys typically excrete aluminum, reduced kidney function can allow aluminum to accumulate in the body and potentially the brain, which studies link to higher dementia risk. The professor recommends rinsing rice in a separate bowl before transferring it to the pot, fully drying stainless steel inner pots after washing, and replacing pots that show reddish discoloration (a sign of corrosion). He also notes that food authorities advise against storing acidic foods in aluminum cookware to limit exposure.