Believe it or not, there are chemicals in most of the fruits and vegetables that we eat every day. These chemicals are called pesticides and are used by farmers to keep pests away from their crops. However, sometimes some of the chemicals leave a residue on the fruit and vegetables. Even though we may not see the residue, we are likely still consuming it. Too many of these chemicals can affect our health. If fruit and vegetables are eaten raw, without properly being washed, you are ingesting chemicals. This is important because pesticides can cause cancer. They can also damage your nervous system and reproductive system. Regardless if you buy organic or not, it is important to properly clean your fruit and vegetables to remove any residue. Below are the natural ways to remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
Vinegar
Washing with vinegar is one of the effective natural ways to remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables. First, fill a sink with water, then add one cup of white vinegar. Rinse the fruit and vegetables in this solution. Once completed, place the fruit and vegetables in a clean bowl. They are now ready to be eaten.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda helps to remove the harmful pesticides and chemicals from fruit and vegetables. Add 5 glasses of water to a big bowl, add 4 tablespoon of baking soda. Soak the fruit and vegetables in this solution. Wait for 15 minutes and then remove the fruit and vegetables. Wipe them dry. It is now safe to eat your healthy food.
Turmeric Water
Turmeric is a spice that acts as an antibacterial. This means that it can kill germs. To a bowl of boiling water, add 5 teaspoons of turmeric powder. Add the fruit and vegetables to the turmeric water. Rinse the fruit and vegetables in the turmeric water. Transfer the fruit and vegetables to a bowl of clean water. Wipe them dry. Your fruit and vegetables are now safe to eat.
Salt
Salt is a well known compound found all over the world. It comes in several forms. Rock salt and ground salt kills pesticides quickly. In a bowl of clean water, add one cup of salt. Add the fruit and vegetables to the salt solution. Allow them to soak in the water for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, drain the salt water and add fresh water to the bowl. Rinse the fruit and vegetables in clean water 5 times before consuming.
Peeling the skin
Peeling the skin is one of the simplest natural ways to remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables. The tricks and tips listed above will remove almost 90% of any residue left from chemicals the farmer may use. However, to be on the safe side, peel the skin off fruits and vegetables that have deep ridges on the skin. These are locations where the chemicals cling on and linger.