Pesticides Linked to Serious Diseases: The Most Effective Way to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Completely Clean

Every year, one in ten people falls ill due to foodborne causes, and nearly 46% of these cases are linked to the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The reason lies in how produce is grown and processed. Many crops are cultivated outdoors, where they can be exposed to pollutants such as insects, birds, and even contaminated soil. In addition, fruits and vegetables may become contaminated during packaging, storage, or preparation. Even hydroponically grown produce is not immune to bacteria and pesticides.

For this reason, proper washing is essential to protect your health.

A Simple and Effective Solution

Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveals a surprisingly effective trick: soaking fruits and vegetables in a solution of baking soda and water for 12 to 15 minutes removes up to 96–99% of pesticide residues.

After rinsing with clean water, the produce is free of chemicals and safe to eat. Baking soda is completely safe, inexpensive, and therefore protects both your health and your wallet.

The "Dirty Dozen" Problem

According to the latest data from the American environmental organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), as many as 75% of fresh fruit and vegetable samples contain pesticide residues. The infamous “Dirty Dozen” list contains produce with residue levels as high as 95%.

Strawberries and spinach, along with several other common foods, have consistently ranked at the top of that list for years.

Pesticides Linked to Serious Diseases

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain pesticides are associated with miscarriages, birth defects, and developmental disabilities in children. Experts therefore strongly recommend choosing organic produce whenever possible, or at the very least taking steps, such as proper washing, to remove harmful toxins before consumption.