How To Remove Pesticides From Your Produce

A number of products and chemicals have played a major role in the recent outbreak of certain common diseases such as Cancer. Furthermore, because food is something we all need, it’s one of the biggest contributors to our overall health but is often treated with pesticides. Although organic eating is cleaner and healthier, not everything has to be organic because, in many cases, it’s possible to remove pesticides. However, there’s so much more to understand about the effects of these toxins.

Firstly, to better understand why it’s important to remove pesticides, it’s important to know what pesticides are. Certain chemicals like pesticides and herbicides were once considered breakthroughs when it came to gardening and farming. However, their effects have since proved damaging for both our bodies and the environment.

Reasons to Remove Pesticides

For example, Glyphosate, called Roundup, has been linked to cancer, liver disease, and damage to DNA in utero. Meanwhile, Heptachlor is a carcinogen that has been shown to cause issues with the GI tract, liver cancer, and the nervous system. Like Roundup, Atrazine is an endocrine disruptor but can also cause birth defects and heart and urinary tract problems. Some of these pesticides have also caused complications regarding the respiratory system and irritation of the skin or eyes.

Furthermore, none are recommended to be ingested. Therefore, it brings up the question, why wouldn’t you want to remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables?

Harmful to Us

Pesticides can be made of many different chemicals or chemical combinations. Some can be derived naturally from other plants. In these cases, they are typically biodegradable and get broken down into harmless compounds. Other commonly toxic products used on fruits and vegetables also include fungicides and bactericides. Unfortunately, these are often “Persistent Organic Pollutants“, or POP’s. Meaning they are “resistant to degradation” and stick around the environment for long periods of time.

Remove Pesticides for the Planet

Not only are these bad for our health, they’re also bad for the environment because they seep into water supplies worldwide, poisoning flora, wildlife and aquatic animals. While some effects can’t be undone, it is at least possible to remove pesticides from our fruits and vegetables.

Secondly, it’s important to note that while eating organic is recommended because it’s better for our bodies, it’s also an expense that many families may not have the budget to accommodate. Fortunately, not everything has to be organic. In fact, there is a list called “The Dirty Dozen”, which consists of 12 fruits and vegetables that should always been eaten organic, or not at all. Meanwhile, other types of produce can be organic or not, whichever best fits the needs of your family.

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The “Dirty Dozen“

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard & mustard greens
4. Peaches
5. Pears
6. Nectarines
7. Apples
8. Grapes
9. Bell & hot peppers
10. Cherries
11. Blueberries
12. Green beans

Safely Remove Pesticides

Lastly, how to safely remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables. There are a few methods you can try but the most important thing to remember is to always wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. Not only will this remove pesticides. It will also help remove germs from the air, dirt, and all the hands that have touched the produce before it reached your table.

1. Soap and Warm Water.

While dish soap or hand soap should not be consumed, a little soap and warm water will help to remove pesticides and other toxins found in the environment and our food.

2. Scrub.

For tougher-skinned produce such as melons, apples, or squash, using a scrub brush in a circular motion will help agitate any bacteria or other toxins that are lingering in the skin. For softer skin like peaches or peas without pods, a brush may not be necessary. However, in all instances, it’s suggested for scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.

3. Make a Solution-

There are three recipe options for how creating a soak that will naturally remove pesticides. Luckily, these are also common household items, so they are fairly accessible.

• Salt Water can be used to soak produce for at least 20 minutes to remove pesticides. Then rinse after and dry with a paper towel to get rid of any lingering toxins or bacteria.
• Baking Soda. 1 teaspoon can be mixed with 2 cups of water. Produce is then soaked in the mixture for 15 minutes in order to remove pesticides and other harmful chemicals. After soaking, rinse under clean water for a few seconds, then pat dry with a paper towel.
• Vinegar. Any vinegar will work, and the recommended ratio is 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Or 3 cups of water to 1 cup of vinegar. Produce should be soaked from 10-15 minutes. Then rinsed with clean water for around 10 seconds and pat dry.

It’s important to note that salt and vinegar are used in cooking to break down proteins and control alkaline levels. Therefore, over soaking certain types of produce like berries, can actually cause them to break down, making them soft and or mushy.

There’s a lot of mixed information regarding what people should or shouldn’t be doing, particularly when it comes to matter of health and wellbeing. As such, staying informed and up to date and keeping things as clean and natural as possible, will be helpful tools while trying to keep yourself and your family happy and healthy.

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