Updated at : 16-03-26 15:23:09

Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables: Know How To Avoid Them And Stay Healthy

For ages, fruits and vegetables have been a storehouse of essential nutrients that support healthy living.
Even in modern science, general physicians advise patients to eat abundant fruits and vegetables to keep healthy. Indeed, they were a gift of nature…until the arrival of Pesticides.

Recent studies say Pesticides in fruits and vegetables are affecting the human body.
So, in your ignorance, you are eating poison. Here is a study that reveals nothing but the truth.

How Pesticides Affect Your Health

Different scientific studies reveal the fact that Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables are heavily damaging to your body. They adversely impact your:

Endocrine system
Immune system
Reproductive system
Nervous system

Even the extensive use of pesticides is linked to fatal diseases like Cancer. The exposure to harmful chemicals (from Pesticides) happens in your body through:

Inhalation
Skin contact
Ingestion of contaminated food and water

They may manifest in the human body in the form of diseases.

Neurological Disease

You may face neurological issues like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, muscle twitching, and confusion.

Even excessive exposure to pesticides may lead to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Reproductive System Issues

Excessive lead content in fruits and vegetables may result in sterility, sperm count deficit, and low birth weight.

Respiratory Issues

Exposure to Pesticides may help develop asthma and other chronic lung diseases.

Child Development Issues

Fruits and vegetables linked with higher pesticide levels may impact the child’s cognitive development.

It may lead to cognitive impairment and hyperactivity disorders like Autism spectrum disorders, etc.

A general physician with experience can give you a good idea about the intensity of these pesticides in food.

Higher Residue Produce Linked to Higher Pesticide Levels

Harmful effects of pesticides in food or chemical residues in food have indeed become a topic of concern.

A study tells that people who consume large amounts of fruits and vegetables carry higher pesticide levels in their urine.

The Department of Agricultural Data conducted this study by procuring data between 2013 and 2018.

They combined the evaluations with another survey report using 1837 respondents (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).

Analysing the data set, evidence of a strong presence of Pesticides in these fruits and vegetables has been detected.

Indeed, the presence of environmental toxins in food is a substantial issue to tackle.

Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables: What Can Be Done To Eliminate Pesticide

Use Running Water

Rinse the fruits and vegetables under cold running water for 15 to 20 minutes. For vegetables like cucumbers, potatoes, and apples, you must remove the waxy surface coatings.

Peeling and Trimming

Peeling fruits and vegetables is also considered a safe and secure way to consume them, and most importantly, eliminate Pesticides. These are considered food safety tips.

Go For Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Going organic is definitely one of the approaches to staying healthy. There is no alternative to it. However, their steady availability is a question.

Instead of it, you could use methods like baking soda soak and salt water solution to wash away the pesticides from veggies.

FAQs

Define organic vs non-organic pesticides?

Organic pesticides are those that are derived from minerals, plants, and bacteria. Hence, they are safe to consume.

Non-organic pesticides are made from synthetic chemicals and are therefore harmful to health.

What are the pesticide health risks?

Pesticide health risks include nerve diseases, digestive issues, and even reproductive health issues.

What are the different types of Pesticides?

The different types of pesticides include Fungicides, Insecticides, Herbicides, Rodenticides, Nematicides, etc.

Can I wash pesticides with vinegar and baking soda?

Yes, you can wash pesticides with a solution containing 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water.

What is the best fruit and vegetable cleaner?

A combination of vinegar and baking soda is extremely effective in cleaning vegetables. The use of distilled malt and cider is quite common.