Washing your Fruits and Vegetables

Here’s how to get them at their organic cleanest.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over one billion tons of pesticides are used annually in our country. While the EPA states these chemicals have passed tests in which they do not a pose an “unreasonable health risk” to humans, any risk should be enough to avoid them all together.
Jay Feldman, director of the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, states, “Not only is American produce sprayed with a combination of pesticides, much of the fertilizer plowed into the fields is toxic. Our food is often sprayed again on its way to market and once again at the market. Because the current research points to and suspects pesticide poisoning as being carcinogenic and hormone-disruptive, the American public is being forced to think about other ways of doing things.”
Children are at greater risk.
Since they are of a smaller body weight, chemicals have a more magnifying impact on their bodies. The EPA acknowledges that adult bodies are four times more effective at detoxifying insecticides or pesticides than children.
A simple solution to reducing your contact and children’s contact with chemicals is to buy organic and wash your food, especially fruits and vegetables.
Here’s how you can wash them better and maintain their 100% organic seal:
With Shaklee's Basic H2®!
The Veggie & Fruit Wash recipe:

• Apply ¼ tsp of Basic H2® to 4 cups of cold water.
• Stir thoroughly.
• For firm fruits and veggies, use a brush for cleaning. For softer fruits, dip them in the solution and then rinse with water in a colander.
• Not only does it remove any bacteria and pesticides, it also removes dirt easily.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all fruits and vegetables be washed even those with a thick peel. While you may feel washing an orange is a bit overzealous, bacteria and chemicals can come in contact with the edible part of the fruit when it is being peeled. It’s better to take an extra step and be thorough when it comes to your food’s cleanliness.
Also, to see if you’re eating enough fruits and veggies based on your age, gender, and activity level, you can find out with the Center of Disease Control’s “Fruit and Veggie Calculator”: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html