Fruit and vegetables have been evidenced to provide significant health benefits when incorporated as part of a healthy diet. In particular a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and being overweight. Washing fruits and vegetables can hold some advantages but not for the reasons that are often suggested. For example, washing fruit and vegetables does not appear to reduce the levels of pesticides that may be present in the foods and this is because pesticides tend not to be water soluble, and are also often present within the tissues rather than on the surface of the plants. However, washing fruits and vegetables can remove pathogens from the surface of fruits and vegetables that may be present from contamination with soil and following harvest. Generally supermarket produce is pre-washed and so washing is not a consideration, but locally grown produce is best washed before consumption. Washing in warm water is probably the easiest and most effective method.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
