Before reaching the tables of homes, fruits and vegetables go through a process that includes the **use of pesticides and pesticides**, substances that, according to the **World Health Organization (WHO)**, can be **potentially toxic to humans** and cause adverse effects after prolonged exposure.
In this context, **proper food disinfection becomes crucial**, especially if avoiding additional chemicals is desired. The scientist and communicator Heinz Wuth, known on social media as @soycienciaycocina, shared a simple and effective method to **reduce the presence of pesticides in fruits and vegetables** without the need for extra compounds.
“The best way to eliminate pesticides is with water,” Wuth assures. In one of his viral videos, he explains that most pesticides used in crops are **water-soluble**, which means they can **easily dissolve when in contact with water**. According to the expert, rubbing the food under the tap can eliminate **more than 90% of these substances**.
## How would the ideal washing be?
The recommended procedure includes four key steps:
1. **Soak** the food in water for a few minutes.
2. **Remove or rub** with hands or a soft brush.
3. **Filter** the water used to discard residues.
4. **Store** the clean fruits and vegetables properly.
## Do vinegar or baking soda work?
Many believe that vinegar or baking soda enhance cleanliness. However, Wuth debunks this myth: “Adding baking soda or vinegar makes no difference. Although the bubbles make us think it cleans more, **it does not improve the removal of pesticides** and, in fact, it can be an unnecessary expense.”
While the effects of pesticides are usually linked to prolonged and large exposures, adopting simple and efficient cleaning habits is a preventive measure that **can make a difference in health care**. And, as science has made clear, sometimes the most effective is also the simplest: **water and movement are enough to enjoy safer food**.
## Simple tips to remove pesticides from food
Humanity’s ability to feed itself, despite population growth in recent decades, is largely due to advances in agricultural technology, especially the **use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides**. These chemical compounds or microorganisms protect plants against diseases such as fungi and pests, but can be **harmful to health**, which is why it is essential to remove pesticides from food.
An effective way to remove the remaining pesticides is to **wash the food with baking soda or vinegar**, as the acidity of these products helps. Another way to clean fruits and vegetables is to peel them completely, although this is not always possible. This and other mechanical methods such as **washing under a stream of running water** are effective, as the pressure helps to remove residues efficiently.
Additionally, if **a soft brush and drying with a clean cloth** are added to cleaning with water, it ensures even more that the food is free of pesticides. However, it must be kept in mind that no method can eliminate 100% of pesticides, but it does help reduce their concentrations to minimal amounts so they pose no risk to health.
Source: La Vanguardia.
