Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Because they’re packed with essential nutrients that include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, they can help you maintain a healthy weight, protect you against disease, and help support your body’s normal functions.
Simply put, fruits and vegetables are good for you. Well, usually.
Recently, a parasite called Cyclospora contaminated some iceberg lettuce sold in the U.S. Some consumers who ate that lettuce got sick with Cyclosporiasis, which can cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. The contaminated lettuce was recalled, and consumers were advised to throw it away because washing it would not remove the parasite. To see if you have any of the recalled lettuce, check the Food and Drug Administration’s recall website.
What about other produce?
It’s important to wash all fruits and vegetables before eating or preparing them. Washing produce can remove dirt, bacteria and some surface traces of pesticides that can make you sick.
Wash properly
First, before handling produce, be sure to wash your hands with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to wash your fruit and vegetables.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consumers rinse all produce under cool running water. Firmer fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots and potatoes, can be scrubbed with kitchen brush.
Do not use soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes. Those are not approved for use on food and could leave harmful residue on produce, even after rinsing.
For leafy greens, the USDA recommends consumers separate the leaves and rinse them under cool running water. Produce with a rind or peel, such as oranges, grapefruit, potatoes and carrots, should also be rinsed under cool running water before cutting or peeling them.
By all means, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. They really are good for you. Just be sure to wash your produce beforehand.
Eat well and stay healthy, Philly.
