Worried about pesticide residues in your everyday meals?
Even though many food items stay within safety limits, you can take easy steps to reduce your exposure. Here’s what the experts recommend.
Choose locally grown produce
Locally produced fruits and vegetables often contain fewer pesticide residues than imported goods.
Many domestic products have levels well below the maximum allowed thresholds. By choosing local options, you can significantly lower your intake of pesticide traces.
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Go organic
Organic food is grown with minimal pesticide use, making it one of the most effective ways to cut down on residues.
Organic farming also contributes to a cleaner environment by limiting chemical exposure in the soil and water.
Eat a varied diet
A diverse diet is not just good for your health - it also helps distribute your potential pesticide exposure across different foods.
Instead of eating the same fruits and vegetables every day, switch it up to avoid accumulating too much of any one type of residue.
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Wash fruits and vegetables
Rinsing produce under running water can help reduce some pesticide residues. It also removes dirt, bacteria, and potential viruses from the surface.
While washing doesn’t eliminate all residues, it’s still a smart and simple step to take.
Avoid the most contaminated produce
Certain types of fruits and vegetables are more likely to have higher pesticide levels, especially when imported or conventionally grown.
Being aware of these and choosing lower-residue alternatives can make a difference in your overall exposure.
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Use a vegetable brush
For root vegetables and produce with tougher skins - like carrots, potatoes, or cucumbers - a vegetable brush can help scrub away more surface residues and dirt.
This is especially important if you don’t peel them before cooking.
Peel your produce
Peeling fruits like apples, pears, and citrus can remove a large portion of surface pesticide residues.
While you may lose some nutrients in the skin, the reduction in chemicals may be worth it, particularly with conventionally grown produce.
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Store properly
Proper storage not only keeps your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer, but it also reduces the growth of bacteria and mold, which may interact with leftover pesticide residues.
Follow produce-specific storage guidelines for best results.
Wash your hands before and after handling
Your hands can transfer residues from one food item to another.
Washing your hands before preparing food ensures you're not introducing new contaminants, and washing afterward prevents spreading them to other surfaces or foods.
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Ask about the source
Whether you're shopping at a local market or a grocery store, don’t hesitate to ask questions about where the produce comes from and how it was grown.
More information means you can make more informed, health-conscious choices for you and your family.
This article is based on information from Sygeforsikring.dk.