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Sue Cifelli

Enviroblog: Ask EWG: How should I wash my fruits and veggies? - 0 views

  • The University of Main posts valuable information on this topic at http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4336.htm. Based on their research, they recommend soaking produce in distilled water for 1-2 minutes. They tested commercial produce washes, and found no benefit over the use of distilled water.
  • veggie & fruit washes: for years,i have felt confident in the info i heard that E-COLI & SALMONELLA, as well as waxes & other residues are neutralized by bathing items in a bowl of water, as pure as possible, and "A SWIG" of un-filtered APPLE CIDER VINEGAR... the key is the concentration of the "mother" floating in the un-filtered variety... 2 minutes to soak, then a bathing rinse in pure water.. only wash what you plan to eat within 12-18 hours, as wilting will occur on more delicate veggies...
  • Washing fruits and vegies that are not organically grown. Use a large receptical or pot - fill halfway with filtered water, or authentic spring water, add a heaping spoon of Kosher salt, 1/8 cup lemong juice (this mixture creates hydrochloric acid). This combination of "do-it-yourself home remedy" works better than store bought washes. I generally add, for additional protection, if there is such a thing - 3 Tbsps vinegar
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  • A couple of months ago I heard a piece on NPR about a study on commercial fruit/veggie washes. While they didn't test plain water alone, they tested fancy veggie wash vs. white vinegar vs. a quick polish with a cloth. The vinegar cleaned the best, and also had anti-microbial effects. So I'm using white vinegar followed by a water rinse now.
  • I personally wouldn't use hydrogen peroxide to wash my produce -- it's linked to neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, and cancer, and its use is restricted in Canadian lip products. Here's the Skin Deep report for that ingredient.
  • For fragile fruits and veggies, such as lettuces, or soft skinned fruit like peaches, etc. two minutes is long enough for a wash. The harder skinned items such as apples, Qs, tomatoes, etc. for 5-minutes. After this wash, rinse thoroughly with filtered water, pat dry with a clean dish cloth. It is well advised to peel those food items with skins on them. As for the more perishable ones like leafy or tender vegies, wash only before consuming, and only what you intend to eat at the tiem. Pat dry with a paper towel or cloth. Additonally, if you consume ORGANIC fruits and vegies, wash them as well with filtered water and vinegar and rinse clean just before consumption. This cleans off the grit and any tiny creatures left on them. If you can afford to pay a little extra, buy ORGANIC. IT IS HEALTHIER FOR YOUR BODY.
Graham Perrin

HPA - Swine Influenza Advice for the Public - 0 views

  • monitor your health closely for seven days after your visit
  • If during this period you develop a feverish illness
  • accompanied by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches
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  • tell those from whom you are seeking advice about your recent travel to an area affected
  • standard respiratory and hand hygiene
  • avoid contact with other people
  • cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
  • promptly and carefully
  • washing hands frequently with soap and water
  • good basic hygiene
  • Clean hard surfaces
  • normal cleaning product
  • Make sure your children follow this advice
  • similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza
  • include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat
  • can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza)
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