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With spring and summer comes an abundance of fresh produce at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of basic levels of dietary nutrients essential to fuel and power our bodies, such as potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid and vitamins A and C. What’s not to love?
Unwashed produce may be harboring some unseen, unwelcome disease-causing organisms (pathogens). Before you fill your plate with a heaping pile of fresh fruits and vegetables, make sure you try to protect yourself from the harmful bacteria and pesticide residue that can linger on unwashed produce.
Unwashed produce can contain harmful foodborne pathogens like salmonella, listeria, E. coli, norovirus and more. Foodborne illnesses can cause a range of negative symptoms—from mild cramps and nausea to fever, diarrhea and severe dehydration.
Even otherwise healthy people are not immune to the effects of toxic exposure. If the produce was treated with pesticides during its growth (as many are), then your vegetables could be loaded with glyphosate and atrazine, two of the most common herbicides used in the United States.
Certain fruits and vegetables are more prone to require pesticide use in their growth (view a list from the Environmental Working Group). Washing and storing your produce in accordance with FDA standards for selecting and serving fresh produce will help reduce your family’s daily toxic load. Remember the three tips below when you come home with your bags of fresh produce.
Be conscious of the produce you select in the store. If you’re hand-picking each of your individual fruits and vegetables, select produce that is not visibly bruised or damaged, as these items may already be rotting. If you are opting for pre-cut fruits and vegetables, make sure the items you select are being stored under proper conditions (e.g., fruit like pre-cut watermelon should be stored in very cool fridge or surrounded by ice to maintain an optimal temperature).
The FDA recommends washing all fruits and vegetables under cold running water to ensure the food you are about to consume is free of harmful bacteria or pesticide residue. Washing your produce with soap or detergent is not recommended, however. Produce with a firm shell layer, including melons, cucumbers and potatoes should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush while running under water to remove any stubborn residue.
The FDA recommends refrigerating all produce, whether fresh, pre-cut or packaged. Take note of your refrigerator settings and make sure you are creating a safe and effective environment for your foods (generally, 40° F or below). Most modern refrigerators have different compartments for fruits and vegetables.
While these measures can help reduce toxic exposure, it is not possible to eliminate the risk completely. Toxins and contaminants enter the body through the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. In addition to food poisoning and other acute consequences of foodborne nasties, toxins build up in the body’s cells over time and interfere with normal body functions. Prolonged or heightened exposure can lead to a range of debilitating health issues, including dementia.
Looking for a detox formula to help your body rid itself of toxic chemicals and pesticides? BodyHealth’s Body Detox™ is an all-natural oral spray that can help your body eliminate toxins quickly and safely. Browse BodyHealth’s Cleanse and Detox collection to learn more about Body Detox and the other detoxifying health products.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If there is anything society has come to realize over the last century, it is that women are just as powerful, smart, ambitious, and capable as men. And while society as a whole is still catching up as far as true equality, the facts are evident when you look at some of the most incredible and influential people today.
When it comes to fitness, however, men and women are not the same. The natural, physiological differences necessitate unique approaches to achieve optimal results. While the fundamental science behind attaining a shredded, lean physique is basically the same for both sexes, the exact steps and application require careful consideration.
One thing I've learned is that injuries can be great teachers. There are so many lessons to be learned from the injuries we experience. They force us to slow down and evaluate our bodies on a deeper level. Like many, I'm guilty of sometimes taking my healthy days for granted. When we pick up an injury, we're suddenly motivated to learn everything we can about that specific injury. We're also dedicated to the necessary rehab it will take to overcome the injury and strengthen our weak areas.
As with many injuries, I've learned there are no "quick fixes" for my stubborn Achilles. Over the years, I've also learned there are no "get fit quickly" schemes.