Which fruits and vegetables should be avoided
Pesticides have been a hot topic lately when we talk about fruits and vegetables. Are you wondering why? Pesticides can be described as compounds with which crops are treated to control the infestation of certain insects that can destroy the fruit. And while most fruits are always controlled before being placed on the market, pesticides may remain present in smaller amounts. By ingesting pesticides into the body, we risk the development of chronic diseases and various tumors.
And while experts advise us to buy fruits and vegetables at the grocery store, many of us shop in one place – in large stores. Pesticides have been the subject of many scientific studies in recent years, and the latest Swedish research shows that insects, fungicides and growth regulators used on plants accumulate in our bodies and cause various health problems.
In order to reduce the risk of developing the conditions mentioned above, it is recommended to avoid buying fruits and vegetables, especially if they are not from organic cultivation. A list of fruits and vegetables that should be avoided when shopping was issued: Strawberries, apples, nectarines, peaches, celery, cherries, grapes, tomatoes, spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers. Shocking results were shown by some strawberries that were sprayed with as many as 17 different pesticides, while grapes and some vegetables were sprayed 15 times!
Where to buy fruits and vegetables?
If you don’t have a housekeeper on the lot that you trust, or your own garden, then you have no choice but to shop in stores. Most of us will just rinse fruits and vegetables under running water, but the truth is that in this way we only remove superficial impurities and a small part of pesticides. Individuals will peel certain fruits or vegetables thinking that they have completely removed the pesticides, but unfortunately this is not true.
Various removal tests show that we can only remove 75% of pesticides, because they enter the very core of the fruit. Swedish scientists recommend that after increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, we put the body on a two-week cleanse. Within two weeks, our body can completely get rid of all toxins. Although many of us do not take pesticides seriously because they are invisible to our eyes, they are very harmful to our body. If you want to eat cleaner, consider the following tips:
Eat fruits and vegetables that come from organic farming. If you buy groceries in a store, then buy fresh and high-quality with a BIO or ECO certificate. Research who grows fruit or vegetables near you and buy from local vendors. Strictly choose fruits that are rated clean according to the EWG list – remember that the most sprayed fruits are strawberries, apples, blueberries, grapes, nectarines and peaches, while the most sprayed vegetables are spinach, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers. After buying the fruit, clean it thoroughly before consumption.
How to clean fruits and vegetables from pesticides?
Today on the Internet you can find countless methods for cleaning fruits and vegetables, but it is important to remember that not all methods are effective. What are the best ways to clean fruits and vegetables from pesticides? Let’s start in order. Method 1 – Add one tablespoon of table salt to one cup of water. Soak your fruits and vegetables and let them sit for 30 minutes before washing them.
Method 2 – Make your own solution of 1:4 white vinegar and water. The products should be soaked for 30 minutes and then rinsed. Sprayed apples must be soaked for a long time. Vinegar will neutralize most bacteria on fruits and vegetables and will remove most pesticides. Before you throw away the water, take a look at what’s in it. Want to go one step further? Make your own pesticide spray!
Recipe 1 – Dissolve a spoonful of juice from one lemon and two spoonfuls of baking soda in one glass of water. Stir until the baking soda dissolves and then pour the spray into a spray bottle. Vegetables or fruits should be sprayed and left for 15 minutes before rinsing. Recipe 2 – Dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of grapefruit extract in a cup of water and white vinegar. After mixing well, pour the spray into a spray bottle. As with the previous recipe, vegetables and fruits should be sprayed and left for 15 minutes before rinsing.