Healthy Eating
Fruits and vegetables are essential foods for our well-being, at all ages, and should always find ample space on our tables. Although these are foods rich in nutrients (a source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants ) that are good for the body, however, the doubt may arise that the presence of pesticides applied during cultivation can make them harmful: many, in fact, are wondering whether washing them under running water is sufficient or whether it is better to use specific products. In this article, we will talk about how to wash fruits and vegetables for safe consumption.
FROM PRODUCER TO CONSUMER: BUYING AND STORING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Before getting to the heart of the topic, it is useful to remember that even immediately after buying fruit and vegetables, you must have some attention. Whether or not it is organic food, we should always be careful to transport them separately from other products, to avoid any contamination. Similarly, we should avoid weighing fruit on the supermarket scales without the special biodegradable bag (often happens with melons, watermelons, and other large fruits), and putting it in the cart as it is, along with the rest of the shopping...
WASH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER RUNNING WATER
According to the indications of the Ministry of Health, the WHO, and the US Food and Drug Administration, washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly with tap water is sufficient for safe consumption. This applies both to vegetables from the garden or the farmer and to those bought at the supermarket. Before doing this, it is always advisable to wash your hands with soap and clean the surface on which the fruit or vegetables will eventually be placed. In particular, it is important not to use the same cutting board and the same knife to cut raw meat (or fish) and vegetables, as there may be contamination. If there is a lot of soil on the food, you can leave it to soak for a few minutes, so as to remove it more easily.
HOW TO WASH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES WITH BAKING SODA
The baking soda is useful for naturally clean and many people also use it to wash fruits and vegetables. As a study conducted in the United States has shown, its use eliminates almost 96% of pesticide residues from fruit and vegetable products. You can therefore use this method with the certainty of consuming safe food. Here are the various steps to follow:
- wash fruit and vegetables under running water to remove dust and earth residues.
- Fill a large enough bowl with water, so that the fruit or vegetables are covered.
- Add the baking soda, respecting the proportion 1 teaspoon per liter of water.
- Leave to soak for at least 5 minutes, then rinse the fruit or vegetables under running water.
Other natural methods for washing fruit and vegetables are white wine vinegar or apple vinegar together with salt.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IN PREGNANCY: HOW TO WASH THEM
The diet in pregnancy requires special precautions, which are aimed at the one hand at providing adequate nourishment to both the mother and the fetus, on the other hand, to avoid certain risks that can derive from the consumption of foods such as raw fish and meat. Even fruit and vegetables are in some way special supervised: the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Venezie, through the site alimentigravidanza.it , recommends for example washing fruit and vegetables with chlorine-based disinfectants, very effective in removing bacteria such as Escherichia coli, the one responsible for Salmonella and Toxoplasmosis. However, it is always advisable to peel foods (when possible) and avoid eating them if you are not sure that they have been treated properly.
COVID-19: IS IT ENOUGH TO WASH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES WITH WATER?
In recent months, due to the health emergency linked to the new Coronavirus, many have wondered if the peel of fruit and vegetables could also be a vehicle for transmission. In this regard, the World Health Organization has specified in a faq that it is not necessary to take special measures, but it is sufficient to wash fruit and vegetables with running water, respecting the other indications for the correct storage of raw and cooked foods.
TIPS FOR STORING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
As we mentioned at the beginning, not only washing is essential, but also the transport and storage of fruit and vegetables. In particular, it must be borne in mind that:
- fruits and vegetables must be kept in the fridge separately from raw foods such as meat or fish, and also from those already cooked and ready to eat;
- after washing, they should not be placed in the fridge because mold and bacteria could develop, favored by the cool and humid environment;
- even pre-packaged products such as salads in bags must be rinsed, although on the label it is usually written that it is food already washed;
- when washing fruit and vegetables, do not neglect the leaves and other parts that are not eaten, because germs can also be found there.
Do you usually consume the right amount of fruit and vegetables? As part of a balanced diet, these foods help keep the body fit and healthy. Periodic checks also contribute to the prevention of many diseases: some insurance companies, such as UniSalute, propose Individual Plans that provide support in the development and adoption of a healthy lifestyle, to better face every day and live with more serenity.
Sources:
acs.org
salute.gov.it
who.int
fda.gov
izsvenezie.it
0 Kommentare