What are the benefits of fruit cleansing. How does a 7-day raw fruit detox work. Can a fruit flush diet plan effectively detoxify your body. What rules should you follow during a fruit cleanse. How does the Fresh Fruit Cleanse diet differ from other detox programs.

Understanding the Concept of Fruit Cleansing

Fruit cleansing, also known as fruit flushing or fruit detoxification, is a dietary approach that has gained popularity in recent years. This method involves consuming primarily or exclusively raw fruits for a set period, typically ranging from one to seven days. The primary goal of fruit cleansing is to rid the body of toxins, boost energy levels, and potentially aid in weight loss.

Proponents of fruit cleansing argue that the high water content, fiber, and natural sugars in fruits can help flush out harmful substances from the body while providing essential nutrients. However, it’s important to note that while fruits are undoubtedly nutritious, the effectiveness and safety of fruit-only diets for detoxification purposes are still subjects of debate among health professionals.

The Origins of Fruit Cleansing

The concept of fruit cleansing isn’t new. For centuries, various cultures have experimented with fruit-based diets for purification and health purposes. Some individuals even adopt a fruitarian lifestyle, consuming fruits as their primary source of nutrition. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between short-term fruit cleansing and long-term fruitarian diets, as the latter can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not carefully planned.

The 7-Day Raw Fruit Detox: A Personal Journey

To explore the effects of fruit cleansing firsthand, I embarked on a 7-day raw fruit detox. This experiment aimed to cleanse my body of toxins and experience the potential benefits of an all-fruit diet. Despite already following a plant-based diet and maintaining a regular exercise routine, I was curious about the additional benefits a fruit detox might offer.

Establishing Ground Rules for the Fruit Detox

To ensure the effectiveness of the detox and maintain consistency, I established the following rules:

• No coffee (including decaf)
• No vegetables (exclusively fruit)
• No added sugar to anything
• No cooking (all fruits consumed raw)
• At least one meal per day consisting of whole fruits
• Track all fruit consumption and nutritional intake
• Daily weigh-ins to monitor any changes

These guidelines were designed to maximize the potential benefits of the fruit cleanse while providing a structured approach to the experiment.

The Rationale Behind Fruit Cleansing

Why consider a fruit cleanse, especially for someone already following a healthy lifestyle? The answer lies in the ubiquitous nature of toxins in our environment. Even with a clean diet and regular exercise, we are exposed to toxins through various sources:

• Drinking water
• Air pollution
• Pesticide residues on non-organic produce

Fruits are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, and fiber, which can help eliminate these impurities from the body and prevent the formation of harmful free radicals. Thus, even individuals with healthy lifestyles may benefit from periodic fruit cleanses.

Exploring the Fresh Fruit Cleanse Diet

While my personal experiment focused on a 7-day raw fruit detox, it’s worth examining another popular approach to fruit cleansing: the Fresh Fruit Cleanse Diet. Created by yoga teacher Leanne Hall, this program offers a structured approach to fruit-based detoxification.

Key Features of the Fresh Fruit Cleanse Diet

The Fresh Fruit Cleanse Diet claims to offer several benefits:

• Restoration of metabolism
• Strengthening of intestinal peristalsis
• Elimination of excess mucus from the digestive system (for cleanses lasting more than one day)
• Dissolution of inorganic mineral deposits that contribute to arthritis

This program provides options for 1, 3, 5, and 7-day cleanses, allowing participants to choose the duration that best suits their needs and goals.

The Science Behind Fruit Cleansing

While anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits of fruit cleansing, it’s essential to examine the scientific basis for these claims. Are there measurable physiological effects of consuming an all-fruit diet for a short period?

Nutrient Density and Fiber Content

Fruits are undeniably nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also contain high levels of fiber, which can promote digestive health and regularity. The combination of these factors may contribute to the feeling of “detoxification” reported by many who undergo fruit cleanses.

Hydration and Natural Sugars

The high water content in fruits can help maintain hydration levels, potentially improving skin appearance and overall well-being. Additionally, the natural sugars in fruits provide a quick source of energy, which may explain the increased vitality some people experience during a fruit cleanse.

Caloric Restriction and Weight Loss

Fruit cleanses often result in a reduction in overall calorie intake, which can lead to short-term weight loss. However, it’s important to note that this weight loss may be primarily due to water loss and reduced food volume in the digestive system, rather than significant fat loss.

Potential Risks and Considerations of Fruit Cleansing

While fruit cleanses may offer some benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and limitations associated with this approach to detoxification.

Nutritional Imbalances

An exclusive fruit diet, even for a short period, may lead to nutritional imbalances. Fruits are generally low in protein and essential fats, which are crucial for various bodily functions. Extended fruit cleanses may result in deficiencies in these key nutrients.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations

The high natural sugar content in fruits can cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. This may be particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes or other blood sugar regulation issues.

Digestive Discomfort

The sudden increase in fruit consumption may lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea in some individuals, particularly those not accustomed to high-fiber diets.

Sustainability and Long-Term Effects

While short-term fruit cleanses may be manageable for some, they are not sustainable as a long-term dietary approach. It’s essential to transition back to a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups to ensure proper nutrition.

Alternatives to Fruit Cleansing

For those interested in the potential benefits of detoxification but hesitant about committing to a fruit-only diet, there are alternative approaches to consider:

Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet

Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can provide many of the benefits associated with fruit cleansing while ensuring a more balanced nutritional intake.

Intermittent Fasting

Some individuals find intermittent fasting to be an effective way to promote cellular repair and metabolic health without restricting specific food groups.

Increased Hydration

Simply increasing water intake and incorporating herbal teas can support the body’s natural detoxification processes without the need for extreme dietary changes.

Implementing a Fruit Cleanse: Tips and Best Practices

If you decide to try a fruit cleanse, consider the following tips to maximize potential benefits and minimize risks:

1. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
2. Start with a shorter cleanse duration (1-3 days) to gauge your body’s response.
3. Choose a wide variety of fruits to ensure a broader range of nutrients.
4. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water in addition to fruit consumption.
5. Listen to your body and discontinue the cleanse if you experience adverse effects.
6. Plan for a gradual transition back to your regular diet after completing the cleanse.

By following these guidelines, you can approach fruit cleansing in a more informed and balanced manner.

The Role of Organic Fruits in Cleansing

When undertaking a fruit cleanse, the quality of the fruits consumed becomes particularly important. Organic fruits are often recommended for cleansing diets due to their potential benefits:

Reduced Pesticide Exposure

Organic fruits are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, potentially reducing the toxic load on the body during the cleanse. This aligns with the detoxification goals of fruit cleansing.

Higher Nutrient Content

Some studies suggest that organic fruits may have higher levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown produce. This could enhance the nutritional benefits of the cleanse.

Environmental Considerations

Choosing organic fruits supports sustainable farming practices, which may be an important factor for those undertaking a cleanse for holistic health and environmental reasons.

While organic fruits can be more expensive, their potential benefits may make them a worthwhile investment for the duration of a short-term cleanse.

Monitoring Progress and Evaluating Results

To gain insights from a fruit cleanse experience, it’s helpful to track various aspects of your health and well-being throughout the process. Consider monitoring the following:

• Daily weight fluctuations
• Energy levels and mood
• Digestive function and regularity
• Skin appearance
• Sleep quality
• Physical performance during exercise (if applicable)

Keeping a journal of these factors can provide valuable information about how your body responds to the fruit cleanse. It’s important to remember that individual experiences may vary significantly, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Post-Cleanse Evaluation

After completing the fruit cleanse, take time to reflect on your experience. Consider the following questions:

• Did you achieve your goals for the cleanse?
• How did your body and mind feel during and after the cleanse?
• Were there any unexpected benefits or challenges?
• How has the experience influenced your relationship with food and nutrition?

This evaluation can help you determine whether fruit cleansing is a practice you’d like to incorporate into your wellness routine periodically or if you’d prefer to explore other approaches to health and detoxification.

Integrating Lessons from Fruit Cleansing into Daily Life

While a strict fruit cleanse may not be sustainable or advisable as a long-term dietary approach, the experience can offer valuable insights that can be applied to everyday eating habits:

Increased Fruit Consumption

After experiencing the energy and digestive benefits of high fruit intake, you may be inspired to incorporate more fruits into your regular diet. This can be a positive change, as fruits are rich in essential nutrients and fiber.

Mindful Eating

The focused nature of a fruit cleanse often leads to increased awareness of eating patterns and food choices. This mindfulness can be carried forward to promote healthier eating habits in general.

Appreciation for Whole Foods

A fruit cleanse can heighten your appreciation for the natural flavors and textures of whole foods. This may lead to a reduced desire for processed foods and artificial additives in your regular diet.

Recognizing Hunger and Fullness Cues

The simplicity of a fruit-based diet can help reset your ability to recognize true hunger and fullness signals. This skill can be valuable in maintaining a balanced approach to eating in the long term.

By incorporating these lessons, you can create a more balanced and nutritious dietary approach that draws on the positive aspects of fruit cleansing without the need for extreme measures.

Raw Fruit Detox (7-Day Fruit Cleansing)

In an effort to become the craziest vegan blogger around, I am embarking on a 7-Day Raw Fruit cleansing detox. Well… that’s only partially true.  I am actually looking to cleanse my body like I never have before, ridding it of all toxins and any other harmful substances.   Of course, I’m not the first person to try a fruit diet for a few days.  Believe it or not, there are people who eat all fruit, all the time; we call them fruitarians.

For centuries, various cultures have experimented with the process of detoxifying the body with an entirely fruit-based diet, often referring to the process as a fruit fast.  Individuals who have completed such fasting claim to have increased energy, weight loss, and better health overall.  Some even believe that they have reduced their risk of certain diseases.

But how bad could my body be?  I eat nothing but whole plant-based foods.  I exercise a minimum of three hours a week.  I don’t need to lose weight or increase my energy.   Believe it or not, toxins are all around us.  They make their way into our drinking water and the air we breathe. 

And if you aren’t buying organic foods, you may have residue from pesticides built up within your body.  The antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, and fiber from fresh organic fruit help to drive out these impurities, stopping the formation of free radical cells.  So you see, even I, could use a fruit detox every once in a while.

I came up with some rules that I knew I could follow and would be beneficial to this process.  If this were going to be a healing process, I would have to take it seriously and lay down some ground rules.

Fruit Detox Rules:

1.  No Coffee (not even decaf)

2.  No Veggies (just fruit)

3.  No added sugar to anything

4.  No cooking (keep it raw)

5.  I will eat at least one meal a day of whole fruit (the other two can be smoothies or juices)

6.   I will track every piece of fruit I eat over the next week, accounting for my nutritional intake.  I will also weigh myself each morning.

I will add to this list if I find it necessary during my raw fruit cleansing journey, but I think that this is a good start.  With that said, it’s day one and time for me to get blending.  I’m actually really excited to be doing this.  I’ve always wondered what it would be like to see (and feel) my body going through such a therapeutic change.  I look forward to sharing my experience with all of you.  I hope that you will check back each day to see my progress.  And if you like fruit recipes, you can expect many of them in the upcoming days.

As I mentioned above, I’ll be tracking every piece of fruit that goes into my mouth.  Not only do I want to track the nutritional content of everything I’ve eaten, but also how much it cost.  We’ll see just how expensive it is to eat a diet rich in exotic fruits.  Stay tuned, this should make for a fun and interesting week!

I must give a shout-out to Emily from ThisRawsomeVeganLife for inspiring me to give this cleansing a try.   She recently went on a 10 day juice fast and enjoyed every bit of it.  I figure if it’s good for her (a healthy raw vegan), it’s gotta be good for me.  If you haven’t met Emily, you should drop by her blog today.  She will show you how fun, healthy, and rejuvenating a vegan diet can be, naturally cleansing the body from the inside out by eating raw plant-based foods (many of them deserts).  Not to mention, her photography is absolutely stunning!

More Info:
Raw Foods Diet Center

Raw Fruit Detox Daily Recaps (Days 1-7)

• Introduction: Raw Fruit Detox (7-Day Fruit Cleansing)
• Raw Fruit Detox (Day 1 Recap)
• Raw Fruit Detox (Day 2 Recap)
• Raw Fruit Detox (Day 3 Recap)
• Raw Fruit Detox (Day 4 Recap)
• Raw Fruit Detox (Day 5 Recap)
• Raw Fruit Detox (Day 6 Recap)

Fresh Fruit Cleanse Diet

Fresh Fruit Cleanse is a weight loss and detox program designed to improve your health through enhanced nutrition.

It was created by Leanne Hall – a yoga teacher – who experienced positive results in her wellbeing with fruit cleansing diets.

Hall explains the benefits of fruit cleansing and how it can help you detoxify and balance your body. Leanne Hall says that her Fresh Fruit Cleanse will:

• Restore your metabolism.
• Makes the peristaltic action of the intestines stronger.
• If you cleanse for more than one day you will eliminate excess mucous from your digestive system.
• Inorganic mineral deposits that contribute to arthritis are dissolved.

Fresh Fruit Cleanse Basics

Fruit is high in water and fiber while being low in calories making it perfect for weight loss. So on the fresh fruit cleanse you can eat a lot of food, feel satisfied yet still lose weight easily.

The fruit cleanse also helps you develop an appetite for healthy food, putting you in control of your cravings.

Includes Options For 1, 3, 5 and 7-Day Cleanses

The right cleanse for you depends on your goals and current lifestyle. Before commencing the cleanse you should eat a healthy, macrobiotic diet for one or two days. A sample macrobiotic menu is provided.

1-Day Fruit Blast

This is a good cleanse to do once a week to purify your liver, kidneys, and bloodstream as well as reset your appetite. It is also beneficial when you feel like you are coming down with an illness.

3-Day Reset Cleanse

If you are new to cleansing diets this gentle cleanse would be a good choice for you.

This cleanse is recommended after festive holiday weekends such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

After three days you will notice:

• Weight loss
• Increased energy
• A clearer mind
• Better skin

5-Day Rebalance Cleanse

This cleanse is most appropriate during seasonal change to align yourself with the natural environment. It includes some larger meals to maintain your energy levels.

However, you will actually see greater weight loss and cleansing results compared to the shorter cleanses.

7-Day Detox Diet

If you are an experienced cleanser or feeling ambitious and want to see major results you can try the 7-day fruit cleanse. Because it is a longer cleanse it is best to plan to do it at a time when you have the opportunity to rest more.

Includes Recipes and Meal Plans

Each option includes a detailed meal plan with recipes based on fresh fruit. Hall explains that zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumber and spaghetti squash are usually called vegetables but they are actually non-sweet fruits. These foods feature in many of the recipes providing more variety and satisfying, savory meal options.

Some of the recipes include:

• Blueberry Blast Smoothie
• Chocolate Pudding
• Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash
• Tomato Basil Soup
• Avocado Salad with Green Olives
• Greek Eggplant Stew
• Tomato and Avocado Pizzas
• Banana Ice Cream

Recommended Foods

Mango, apple, pear, banana, raspberries, plantain, dates, figs, orange juice, lemon, tomato, cucumber, green peppers, spaghetti squash, eggplant, zucchini, avocado, coconut milk, spirulina, raw cacao, hemp seeds, flax seeds, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs and spices.

A One Day Meal Plan

Cleansing Requires Rest

It is good to rest while you are cleansing so no exercise is required on this program.

Hall does recommend yoga because it has benefits for your body, mind and spirit.

• It improves alignment of the body
• Stimulates the glands
• Improves metabolism
• Keeps us youthful

Additionally it involves slow, deep breathing that calms the nervous system and helps you let go of tension.

Costs and Expenses

Fresh Fruit Cleanse retails at $13.95.

Available from Amazon.

Pros

• Offers a gentle way to cleanse and detox your body.
• Affordable in comparison to many other detox programs.
• Includes options for four different cleanses depending on personal preference.
• Encourages the consumption of a large amount of fruit and vegetables.
• May improve the symptoms of chronic health conditions such as irritable bowel, arthritis and cancer.
• Includes detailed meal plans, recipes and shopping lists.

Cons

• Is not strictly a fruit cleanse as it includes a variety of other foods in addition to fruit.
• Necessary to prepare all meals at home for the duration of the cleanse.
• Some dieters may experience uncomfortable detox symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and digestive discomfort.
• Does not include an exercise plan.

An Easy but Gentle Detox

Fresh Fruit Cleanse offers a gentle way to detoxify your body while enjoying eating nutritious, satisfying fruit-based meals.

This program allows you to detox and improve your health without the need to fast or follow extremely restrictive diets.

 By Mizpah Matus B.Hlth.Sc(Hons)

Citations:
• Palafox‐Carlos, H., Ayala‐Zavala, J. F., & González‐Aguilar, G. A. (2011). The role of dietary fiber in the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of fruit and vegetable antioxidants. Journal of food science, 76(1), R6-R15. link
• Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435. link

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Last Reviewed: March 28, 2021

How to properly wash fruits and vegetables?

The fruits that we eat with the peel want to be properly disinfected, but everyone does it in their own way. Indeed, not only dust, dirt, microbes from hands can appear on the peel, but also traces of fertilizers that the plant was sprayed with. Consumer Reports experts emphasize that chemicals and microbes stick especially strongly to the wax layer, for example, apples.

WITH PLAIN WATER, WITH SOAP OR WITH SOAP?

So, experts recommend washing fruits and vegetables with plain tap water at a comfortable temperature (not necessarily hot). To be sure, rub them with a clean brush (to remove bacteria and chemicals mechanically). If the peel is tender, then just rub it with your hands or a soft sponge. After washing, wipe with a dry cloth or clean towel to remove any remaining dirt (unfortunately, washing usually does not clean 100%).

And that’s it. There is no evidence for the effectiveness of various fruit products or sprays. It is not recommended to use soap, dishwashing detergent, since the peel of the fruit has a porous structure, from which it will not be possible to completely wash the soap. An exception is products that are intended for washing dishes and fruits and do not contain components that can harm the body if ingested. They usually state that they are approved for washing fruit. If there is no such mark, use the product only for its intended purpose.

Vinegar, soda, salt, soak

The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture says that in most cases, thorough washing and even soaking will get rid of only part of the pesticide traces, but the benefits of eating fresh vegetables and fruits still outweigh the harm of a small amount of chemicals eaten.

That being said, if you want to clean the surface of the fruit as much as possible, traditional methods such as salt, baking soda, and vinegar will do a much better job of removing traces of pesticides (and probably germs).

Are there nitrates and pesticides in apples?

The paper says that a 10-minute soak in a solution of soda or salt (ratio of 1 to 10) destroys about 70% of pesticides (while washing in water – about 20%). Nothing is reported about the microbes in the study, but it can be assumed that they are also becoming even smaller.

Regarding the vinegar soak, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that although the vinegar soak did not greatly affect the amount of germs and pesticides remaining, a 5% vinegar solution did help. reduce the level of pathogens and pesticides on the surface of tomatoes, broccoli and apples. In short, using a 1:3 solution of vinegar won’t hurt, especially if it helps reduce the fear of eating some kind of bacteria.

With all the effectiveness of these methods, the good old boiling is not inferior in effectiveness to soda and vinegar. Experiments show that a two-minute boil eliminates most of the pesticide residue. However, cooking changes the structure of the fruit/vegetable and may result in the loss of some vitamins. Instead of boiling, you can scald the fruit and keep it in hot water for a while, then rinse with cold water.

HOW TO WASH DIFFERENT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?

Different fruits and vegetables need to be washed in different ways: some fruits need to be washed to remove traces of dirt, and in the case of leaves, you need to get rid of any insects left in greens or vegetables such as cabbage.

For example, Rospotrebnadzor recommends:

• Root vegetables (potatoes, radishes, carrots, beets and others) should be soaked for 15 minutes in warm water. Then clean thoroughly with a brush and rinse well.

• Cabbage (white, Beijing and other leafy types) must be cleaned from the top layer of leaves before washing with cool water. It is better to pre-soak the head of cabbage in cool water, after a few minutes you will see bugs, spiders and other small insects pop up in the water. For convenience, cauliflower can immediately be divided into inflorescences.
• Green onions, dill, parsley, cilantro, sorrel, salad greens should be sorted out, roots, yellowed and damaged leaves should be removed. Next, soak the greens in cool water for 15 minutes, periodically changing the water and sorting the greens into individual leaves and twigs, until all the dirt settles to the bottom, all insects emerge and the water becomes clean. After that, the greens should be thoroughly rinsed with running water. For better cleansing of greens from pathogenic microbes and helminth eggs, you can hold it for half an hour in a saline or vinegar solution (1 tablespoon of salt or vinegar per 1 liter of water).
• Grapes should be washed “under the shower” from the tap. After washing, let the water drain. If the clusters are tight, they should be separated with scissors, but do not tear the berries from the stalk. It, like a cork, protects the berry from the ingress of foreign microorganisms and prevents rapid decay and spoilage.
• For washing cherries, sweet cherries, raspberries, currants and other berries, the following is recommended: place the berries in a colander in a single layer and rinse under running water for 5 minutes. So earth or dust will come off the surface.
• To wash the strawberries from the remnants of earth and sand, it is better to soak the berries for 5-10 minutes in cool water, and then rinse with running water.

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7 Tips for Washing Food

Vegetables and fruits should be washed before eating, whether they are farm-raised, organic, or purchased from the nearest supermarket.

However, now there are cleansers for washing vegetables, fruits and even eggs (!), claiming to remove all mental bacteria, pollution and other E. coli. Like, you won’t really wash anything off with water, do you know how many chemicals are poured on vegetables and fruits for growth and preservation ?! That’s the same. But is it true that plain water is not enough? Let’s figure it out.

I will not beat around the bush, I will say right away: washing vegetables and fruits with ordinary water eliminates up to 98% of bacteria from their surface! True, it is recommended to use not running, but distilled or bottled water, in order to avoid impurities that tap water is “rich in”. So if you have been washing vegetables “the old fashioned way” all your life, then, in general, you did the right thing.

However, even something as simple as washing fruits and vegetables has its own secrets to be aware of. Here they are:

1. Wash your hands before washing food

This tip is listed as number one on the FDA website. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before washing vegetables or fruits.

2. The temperature of the water should match the temperature of the vegetables/fruits

This tip is easy to remember: if you store vegetables or fruits at room temperature, then you need to wash them with warm water. If you take food out of the refrigerator, on the contrary, wash it with cool water.

Julie Albrecht, PhD, professor and food educator, says that when the temperature changes, water can become a vehicle and transport microorganisms from the surface to the depth of the food. Therefore, the temperature of the water for washing and soaking (!) should be similar to the temperature of vegetables or fruits.

3. Use of special tools

Experts do not recommend using brushes or washcloths to clean fruits with delicate skins. You can rub the roots, after soaking them in water to soften the dirt. If you wish, you can use any non-rough washcloth, and this will be enough.

4. With or without soap?

The FDA does not recommend washing fruits and vegetables with soap or dishwashing liquid, even if they have thick skins, such as watermelon.

5. Detergents for washing fruits and vegetables

There are special cleansers for washing vegetables and fruits on the eco-home market. Manufacturers promise to kill all harmful bacteria, remove wax from the surface of fruits and bring nitrates to clean water.

Should I use them? If we talk about bacteria, most of it is washed off when you thoroughly wash the products in water. As for the removal of wax, there is a reason for this, because these products contain high doses of natural acids – citric, malic, etc., due to which they clean and disinfect the surface of the fruit. But on the other hand, you can use ordinary vinegar for the same purpose – it is cheap and widely available.

No data was found on the effectiveness of these products compared to conventional washes for organic brands, but conventional cleaners have been tested. A couple of years ago at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Maine, researchers compared three fruit and vegetable washes with distilled water.

Blueberries acted as a “guinea pig”. As a result, it turned out that distilled water, on a par with the tested cleaners, cleaned well both microbes and pesticide residues compared to unwashed samples.

The conclusion made by scientists: wash vegetables and fruits with distilled water, and if this seems not enough for you, then use soaking for 1-2 minutes.

It remains to figure out how to get distilled water in the right quantities or …

6. Vinegar, soda and lemon

And yet, it’s hard to believe that ordinary water can wash away all the unhealthy things that cling to vegetables and fruits until they reach the consumer. And if you are suspicious and incredulous hypochondriacs , then it’s time to talk about folk methods for cleaning vegetables and fruits. All you need is vinegar (any kind), baking soda, salt and lemon. All together or just one.

Rules for cleaning food with vinegar

• Research has shown that a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar is the most effective. For some fruits, this ratio can be “heavy”, so it’s best to start with the usual recommendation – 1 tbsp. l. vinegar per liter of water.
• Before soaking food, rinse with water to remove dirt and/or soil.
• It is enough to soak the products for 5–10 minutes (remember that the temperatures of the water and the fruits coincide), and then rinse with running water.
• Vinegar does not help fruits and vegetables last longer, so it is best to wash food immediately before eating.
• Dry fruits and vegetables thoroughly with paper towels after washing.

Rules for cleaning products with baking soda

• For hard-skinned fruits and vegetables, you can use baking soda: rinse the product with water, add baking soda and rub gently. Wash off with running water.
• Greens are recommended to be sprinkled with soda along the entire length, let lie down for a couple of minutes, and then rub a little and rinse in running water.

Combo methods (suitable for greens and salads)

Salt + lemon

• 1 liter of water
• 4 tbsp. l. salt
• juice of half a lemon

Vinegar + salt

• 3 cups of water
• 1 glass of vinegar
• 1 st. l. salt

Vinegar + lemon

• 1 liter of water
• 1 st. l. vinegar
• juice of half a lemon

7. Do nuts and dried fruits need to be washed?

According to experts, shelled nuts sold in bulk are among the most “dirty” products. But you also need to wash the nuts because raw nuts and seeds contain a high percentage of phytic acid, which protects the plant from pests. And if it is useful for seeds, then, alas, it is not for people. Phytic acid binds and removes minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron from the body. At high doses of phytic acid intake, demineralization of the body occurs, which can lead to bone problems.

Therefore, those who eat nuts and seeds a lot and often, it is recommended to soak them in water not only for hygienic reasons. This will help flush out the phytic acid while retaining healthy fats and proteins:

1. Place 4 cups of raw nuts in a bowl.
2. Pour in filtered water to cover the nuts.
3. Add 1-2 tbsp. l. sea ​​salt.
4. Leave to soak for 7 hours or overnight.
5. After the time has elapsed, rinse the nuts with clean water.

Now all that’s left is to dry the nuts. This is best done in a dehydrator for vegetables and fruits, because. temperature should not exceed 45 degrees. If you don’t have this, then you can use a conventional oven by turning on the “coldest” mode.

As for dried fruits, LavkaLavka sanitary doctor Daniil Kaganovich confidently states that dried fruits, along with peeled nuts and spices, which are sold without packaging, demonstrate the saddest microbiological indicators, that is, they are simply the dirtiest products that we buy.