Did you know that most of the fruits and vegetables you consume contain pesticides?
Although it’s a controversial subject, the long-term safety of the use of these substances
has yet to be established.
Some argue that low-cost agrochemicals aren’t harmful to your health, while others believe
that the consumption of these substances may be linked to the emergence of various diseases,
such as cancer.
The fact is that the use of pesticides is commonplace nowadays, even in organic foods,
with the only difference being that they come from natural sources.
Tests by NGOs found frighteningly high amounts of agrochemical residues in fruits and vegetables.
If you care about the uncontrolled ingestion of these substances, this video is for you.
We will explore some ways to mitigate and even completely remove many of the pesticides
found in fruits and vegetables.
1.
Water Experts suggest that the first step in removing
pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is to wash them with water.
The simple act of washing food with water, can remove up to 80% of the residues of pesticides
found in the peels and skins.
Washing with slightly salty water or immersing the fruits and vegetables in boiling water
also helps.
2.
Remove the peel If you do not know where the food you intend
to consume came from, it may be best to take the peel off even after washing it.
The point is to eat only the peel of those foods whose origin you know.
Furthermore, its preferable to always eat organic.
3.
Vinegar Many specialized websites suggest washing
fruits and vegetables with water and vinegar as a way to help eliminate pesticide residues.
To use vinegar, pour 1 part vinegar to every 2 parts of water in a bowl.
Soak the fruits and vegetables in this solution for 15-30 minutes, rinsing them with cold
water after that.
4.
Sodium bicarbonate A study published in the Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry showed the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate, in the removal of pesticide
residues.
In just 15 minutes, sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) can remove up to 96%
of this waste.
Its effectiveness is due to the fact that it has a high alkalizing power, capable of
breaking down these substances into harmless molecules.
To clean larger fruits and vegetables, such as apples, and eggplants, make a baking soda
paste.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and the same measure of water and rub it on the food.
For smaller fruits and vegetables, soak them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of baking soda
per liter of water.
Let them soak for 15 minutes and then rinse them off.
Another interesting way to use baking soda is by making a homemade spray from baking
soda and lemon.
It's quite simple.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons baking soda;
1 cup of water (about 250 ml).
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir until the baking soda dissolves completely.
Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the food.
Let it set for 5 to 10 minutes and if necessary brush the fruits or vegetables to remove the
most difficult residues.
Then rinse normally.
What about you?
How do you wash fruits and vegetables in your house?
Tell us more in the comments!