Istanbul Gelisim University - “Wash fruits and vegetables with carbonated water”

“Wash fruits and vegetables with carbonated water”

The "pesticides", which are applied to help vegetables and fruits grow without damage, can have negative effects on both farmers and public health if used incorrectly and unconsciously. Food engineer and Lecturer Dr. Negin Azarabadi said, "Washing fruits and vegetables with carbonated water is one of the most effective methods of pesticide removal."

“EVEN ORGANIC PRODUCTS CAN HAVE PESTICIDES”

"Pesticide" is a mixture of substances used to help vegetables and fruits grow by protecting them from harms in nature. Stating that pesticides can be seen in organic products from time to time, Lecturer Dr. Negin Azarabadi indicates: “In scientific studies, some pesticide residues are found even on organic products. Pesticides, according to the definition of EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency); chemical compounds commonly used in agricultural applications to control pests and disease carriers such as weeds, insects, mosquitoes, ticks, rats, mice. However, according to scientific studies, it has been confirmed that pesticides can also cause health problems such as birth defects, nerve damage and cancer. Therefore, it is important to wash fruits and vegetables effectively before consuming.”

"SALT WATER SOLUTION IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN PLAIN WATER"

Stating that the disinfectants used in washing the products are not as effective as water, Dr. Azarabadi continued:

“A study conducted in 2007 investigated the residues of 4 common pesticides by washing vegetables with vinegar, saline solution and plain water for 20 minutes. According to the datas obtained, it is determined that a 10% saline solution is more effective than plain water. Apples washed with a baking soda-water (carbonated water) solution for 12-15 minutes do not have any pesticide residues left on the surface or under the apple peel. Due to the negative effects of pesticides on health, it is very important to wash fruits and vegetables effectively. Based on the data of scientific studies, washing fruits and vegetables with carbonated water is one of the most effective methods of pesticide removal.”