Fruit is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and water — all essential for immunity, digestion, skin health, and long-term disease prevention.
But there’s one thing many people overlook:

Most fruits are coated with pesticides.
And if you don’t wash them properly, you could be feeding your family harmful chemicals every single day.

Here’s what doctors warn — and how to clean fruits the right way.

---

The hidden dangers of pesticide-contaminated fruit

According to Dr. Tim Tiutan, an internal medicine physician in the U.S., many pesticides contain toxic chemicals such as organophosphates, carbamates, and organochlorines.

When consumed, they can cause:

• Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)

• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue

• Liver and kidney damage

• Hormonal imbalance

• Fertility issues, miscarriage risk, and birth defects in pregnant women

Long-term exposure is even more alarming. Research links pesticide intake to:

• Increased risk of certain cancers (leukemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer)

• Neurological problems affecting memory, focus, mood

• Higher chances of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s with repeated exposure

Children are especially vulnerable because their immune and nervous systems are still developing.

---

How to wash fruit properly, according to the doctor

Dr. Tim stresses that washing is non-negotiable — and doing it the right way can remove the majority of pesticide residues.

✔ Step 1: Rinse under running water

Use your hands or a soft brush to gently scrub the surface.
Running water helps loosen and wash away dirt, bacteria, and a portion of pesticide residue.

✔ Step 2: Soak in vinegar or saltwater

For fruits with thicker skins (apples, pears, citrus…), soak them in:

• 1 cup vinegar + 3 cups water for 10 minutes
  or

• Salt water (a natural antimicrobial solution)

This helps break down certain pesticide compounds.

✔ Step 3: Add baking soda

Dr. Tim shares his personal routine:

“At home, I wash the fruit first, then soak it for 10 minutes in a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 3 cups water. After that, I add a little baking soda and soak it for a few more minutes before rinsing and drying.”

Baking soda is scientifically proven to help remove pesticide residues from fruit surfaces.

✔ Step 4: Rinse and dry

Always rinse again under clean water to remove all remaining solution.
Dry the fruit before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent mold.

---

Other helpful methods

✓ Rice-water soak

A traditional method used in many Asian households.
Rice water helps lift dirt and light residues from the surface of fruits.

✓ Natural fruit & vegetable washes

Many products on the market use ingredients like lemon, cinnamon, lemongrass and other plant extracts to enhance cleaning — especially useful for delicate fruits like grapes or strawberries.