Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Most fruits and vegetables bought at your local store contain some level of various types of pesticides.Farmers and gardeners use these chemicals so that they can produce near-perfect fruits and vegetables in large quantities, free from insects, bacteria, mold, and rodents. However, these man-made chemicals pose a risk to human health, especially in young children. Neurological and gastrointestinal problems, as well as problems in the endocrine and hormonal systems are associated with pesticides, and more research is being done to understand their full effects on the body. Learning how to rid foods of pesticide residues is vital to healthy nutrition and a healthy body.

Steps

1. 1 Buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible to avoid pesticide residues.
   • Although they are more expensive, organic produce is grown without the use of artificial pesticides.
2. 2 Know which fruits and vegetables pose the greatest risk to pesticide residue if you can't buy organic food.
   • Certain foods, such as strawberries, peppers, peaches, cherries, apples and greens, tend to be more dangerous with high levels of pesticides.
   • Avocados, bananas, corn, watermelons, cauliflower and broccoli are some of the foods that tend to have fewer pesticide residues.
3. 3 Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
   • Use lukewarm water and wash food while your hands endure.
   • If mild dishwashing liquid is available, use a small amount on fruits and vegetables and rinse thoroughly.
4. 4 Soak and wash food with commercial wash products to remove pesticide residue from fruits and vegetables.
   • These solutions can be found in the grocery section of the store and are effective and safe.
5. 5 Make your own wash product to remove pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables.
   • This can be done by mixing one teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of water, or by diluting vinegar with water.
   • Soak fruits and vegetables in mixture, then rinse.
6. 6 Cleanse your skin from fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
   • Even when you plan to remove skin from food, wash it first to remove even more pesticide residue.
7. 7 Shop at local agricultural markets or food stalls.
   • Local growers use fewer pesticides and are also more likely to grow them organically. Their produce is often freshly harvested.
8. 8 Grow your own fruits and vegetables.
   • When products come from your own garden or backyard, you know exactly what you are giving to your body.

Tips

• Keep an eye on fresh food without dents or stains; however, keep in mind that just because food is fresh does not guarantee that it is pesticide-free.
• When buying organic products, make sure the label is certified. These fruits and vegetables are guaranteed to be grown using no chemical methods.
• Another method suggested by one reader is to mix salt and turmeric. Soak the vegetables in this mixture for half an hour, then strain and remove the vegetables.

Warnings

• Do not avoid eating foods for fear of pesticide residues. Fruits and vegetables are still important parts of your diet and offer many vitamins and nutrients.
• Even organic foods need to be washed before eating because they can contain bacteria.