If you are a mommy living in this decade you have probably heard the word "organic" more than you have heard your name in a lifetime. It can get annoying, I know. But when it comes to our health it is important to understand the benefits of organic food. When a product is labeled as organic it means that it is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation ( organic.org ). Why is this important to you? Because dirty food makes for messy health. Hormones, metabolism, nervous and endocrine system can all be adversely affected by disrupting chemicals.
At this point in time it is pretty much impossible not to be exposed to chemicals. On a study lead by the Environmental Working Group, 232 industrial compounds and pollutants where found in babies umbilical cords. We are collecting all these toxic substances in our bodies before we are even born! The air, our water, our homes, our clothes, our utensils, our furniture and body care products, to name a few, are often contaminated with harsh chemicals. I know this sounds grim. But chins up, we can do something about it. Reducing plastic, using natural cleaning products, spending time outdoors, opting for organic cotton when we can and being mindful of the things we put in and on our bodies are ways to reduce this chemical overload. This is especially important when it comes to our food.
 Although there are things you just can’t wash off, like ripening agents, washing your produce before consuming can reduce your chemical intake.  Fruit and vegetable wash is available for sale at many stores, but you can also make your own!  It is super easy and probably just as effective.  It can be cheaper, since you probably have all you need at home.
Here is what you need:
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (from an actual lemon not a bottle)
2 tablespoons of vinegar (distilled white is fine)
1 cup of water
spray bottle
Mix all ingredients in spray bottle and you are done. Â You can use this directly on fruits and vegetables. Rub it in and rinse. Â I use a soft scrub brush to work the solution on the skin but it is not necessary.
For softer skinned fruits and vegetables (like leafy greens or strawberries) you can use the same recipe, just trow it all in a bowl.  Swish it around for a few, then rinse.  Be careful thou with raspberries and very delicate fruits since they can absorb some of the vinegar.  I would just buy those organic or  wash very briefly and rinse with plain water.
For a big batch you can use your sink (I like to do all my apples and citrus at once).  As a general guideline (depends on the size of your sink) fill halfway with water and add about 1/2 cup of vinegar.  Soak the produce for a couple of  minutes and rinse.
Easy, affordable and all natural! Good luck and be well.
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