The BEST Way to Wash Produce -- And Protect Your Brain

Indulge all your senses and savor the sights, smells and tastes of colorful summer produce -- just be sure to wash it correctly first to protect your brain.

A large body of evidence links herbicide and insecticide exposure to an increased risk of neuogenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, ALS and Alzheimer's Disease.

Buying organically grown foods does reduce your exposure, but even organic farmers use some pesticides. Organic farmers are allowed by the USDA to use any of 25 regulated synthetic pesticides.

So, while choosing organic is probably the safest option, it's still especially important to correctly wash all produce prior to eating.

Do you usually rinse your produce under cold running water? Most of us do. But this method only removes some of the pesticide residues.

Multiple studies have tested a wide variety of washing methods: running water, commercial produce cleansers, bleach, salt water, vinegar, and baking soda solutions.

Surprisingly, the baking soda solution was the most effective at removing pesticides both on the surface AND those that had leached beneath the skin.

The baking soda solution used in the study was very weak -- only one ounce of baking soda to 100 ounces of water. And it did take 12 to 15 minutes of soaking to do a complete job.

Most people won't wash their produce this long. So, here's a more reasonable version that may not be quite as effective, but certainly better than plain running water. (Of course, you could always set the timer for 15 minutes to be scientifically thorough.)

For Leafy Produce

• Fill a salad spinner with cold water.
• Add one teaspoon of baking soda and mix well.
• Fill with leafy produce.
• Soak for one or more minutes.
• Swish, dump, rinse, spin dry.

For Other Vegetables and Fruit*

• Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water.
• Add one or more teaspoons of baking soda and mix well.
• Add the produce.
• Soak for one or more minutes.
• Tough skinned produce can be gently scrubbed with a brush.
• Rinse thoroughly.

*Berries should be washed just before serving, not in advance.

So, indulge in those fresh and flavorful summer pleasures. Just take those extra few minutes to protect your brain by properly washing off those pesticides first.

Sources for research nerds and naysayers:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2006.11.002

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03118

DISCLAIMER: This information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgement. See complete disclaimer.