A regular intake of fresh fruits is extremely healthy for the body. Fruits contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals which also fit the body’s need. But how safe and healthy are these fruits and vegetables?
We think that eating well gives our body the essential nutrients that it requires when we consume fresh fruits and vegetables. This might come as a surprise to some of the people but most of the foods contain highly contaminated pesticides residue on them. , many people today put pesticides in foods.
Pesticides are used to protect the crops from insects, germs and rodents when the plants are growing up. Residual amount of these chemicals are present on the food when it gets to the grocery store. The pesticide residue cannot easily be removed with plain water. When you consume a fruit, the pesticide residue goes into the body as they get stuck and can make you sick. Read on to found out the harmful effects of pesticides.
What are Pesticides?
Pesticides ae chemical substances used to kill pests that might damage the crops and fruits. It is used in abundance by farmers, especially in remote areas. The developments in the agricultural sector have evidently shown an increase in the use of pesticides during the cultivation of crops.
How are Pesticides Harmful?
There are numerous health hazards linked to the use of pesticides. Pesticides can have grave effects on the health of anybody consuming fruits or vegetables highly contaminated with pesticides.
Several reports suggest that high levels of pesticides in food can lead to the development of diseases such as cancer, kidney and lung ailments. Children have developing organs, prone to catching infections and diseases. Any exposure to these high chemical residues can lead to childhood cancers, mental health problems such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
If a pregnant woman eats a fruit containing pesticides residue, the fetus might get affected and she may face birth complications. Some other health risks associated with these harmful chemicals include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramp, dizziness and anxiety.
Also read: Reduce your Exposure to Pesticides
What Foods are Highly Contaminated with Pesticides?
Some of the fruits and vegetables that have higher concentrations of pesticides are fruits like peaches, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, pear and apples. Potatoes, spinach, bell peppers and celery are some of the vegetables that contain pesticide residue.
Home Remedy to Get Rid of Pesticides
Put the contaminated fruits and vegetables in one place in a container and put enough water in it. Now, put vinegar in it and leave the container for 15 minutes. After that, remove the fruits from the container. Now, rinse the fruit properly with water. Vinegar helps remove 98 percent of the pesticides residue and the insecticides from the fruit. This is an easy and effective way of removing pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
How to Limit your Exposure to Pesticides?
Experts recommend people to eat organic foods as they are good for health. Organic fruits are becoming increasingly popular and more available in the local grocery stores and supermarkets. Organic foods are grown without any pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
