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!