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Using household items for removing pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables

 Here's a rating of the effectiveness of each household solution on a scale of 5 for removing pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables:

 

 Vinegar Solution

- Method: Mix one part vinegar with three parts water.

- Procedure: Soak the fruits and vegetables in the solution for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

- Effectiveness: Vinegar can help remove some surface pesticide residues and bacteria.

- Rating: 3.5/5

  - Reason: Vinegar is effective against certain types of pesticides and bacteria, but its effectiveness is limited against a broader range of pesticide residues.

 

 Baking Soda Solution

- Method: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water.

- Procedure: Soak the produce in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

- Effectiveness: Baking soda has been shown to be effective in breaking down certain pesticide residues, especially when soaking produce like apples.

- Rating: 4.5/5

  - Reason: Baking soda is highly effective at breaking down a variety of pesticide residues, especially on the surface of fruits like apples.

 

 Salt Water Solution

- Method: Dissolve one tablespoon of salt in two cups of water.

- Procedure: Soak the fruits and vegetables in the solution for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

- Effectiveness: Salt water can help remove dirt, bacteria, and some pesticide residues.

- Rating: 3/5

  - Reason: Salt water is good for removing dirt and bacteria but is less effective than baking soda or vinegar for breaking down pesticide residues.

 

 Lemon Juice Solution

- Method: Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water.

- Procedure: Soak the produce in the solution for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

- Effectiveness: Lemon juice's acidity can help in breaking down some pesticide residues and has antimicrobial properties.

- Rating: 3/5

  - Reason: Lemon juice can help with some pesticide residues and provides antimicrobial benefits, but its overall effectiveness is comparable to vinegar and less than baking soda.

 

 Summary

- Baking Soda Solution: 4.5/5 - Most effective for removing a broad range of pesticide residues.

- Vinegar Solution: 3.5/5 - Good for some pesticide residues and bacteria.

- Salt Water Solution: 3/5 - Effective for dirt, bacteria, and some pesticide residues.

- Lemon Juice Solution: 3/5 - Effective for some pesticide residues and has antimicrobial properties.

 

Overall, using a baking soda solution is the most effective household method for reducing pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables.

Compiled by Dr M Khalid Munir , MBBS, Cert in diabetes ( Univ of Copenhagen). Ex consultant Kamineni wockhardt hospital, Hyderabad. For in person consultation or online video consultation, Whatsapp 9959098255


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