If you are someone who loves fruits, chances are that you eat at least one per day. Good for you, but you may have eaten fruits washed with detergent.
Is there a reason you should be concerned about you taking fruits washed with detergent? Yes!
Just in case you have not seen people wash fruits with detergent, we have. We recorded the video below in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Sadly, orange, one of the most consumed fruits is one of the most endangered species.
Is there trouble?
How Safe Is Your Detergent?
In 2011, some researchers in Nigeria examined the toxicity of detergents and made interesting findings.
They identified the compounds in the majority of the detergents you use to include surfactants, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, optical brighteners, phosphate, poly-carboxylates and enzymes (1).
In the study, 20 mice (about 30 days old) ingested different degrees of detergent solutions.
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The mice were grouped into five sets, comprising of five mice each.
The control group (group 1) was given ordinary water while groups 2 to 5 were given 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the detergent solutions respectively, as the only sources of water.
At the end of the study, researchers found a remarkable reduction in the growth rate of the mice exposed to the detergent.
Also, the mean weight of the mice exposed to the detergent was significantly different.
According to the study, “the hematology analysis of the exposed mice showed marked reduction in the packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white blood cells, red blood cells and total protein”.
Also, among other things, the study found that the internal organs (heart, kidney, liver and reproductive organs) of the exposed mice showed marked histological changes compared to the control mice.
Some of the chemicals the study says pose this danger are sodium silicate and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (surfactant).
Also, the extent of the injuries increased with the concentrations of the detergent solutions.
Quite a lot that could happen, right?
Effects Of Eating Fruits Washed With Detergent
Indeed, eating fruits washed with detergent can be harmful to your health.
Detergents are not intended for consumption and can contain chemicals and toxins that can be toxic when ingested.
Furthermore, when you eat fruits washed with detergent, the detergent can damage the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat, leading to irritation, burning sensations and difficulty swallowing.
Depending on the amount consumed, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Ingesting detergent can also damage the gastrointestinal system and affect the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to malnutrition.
In severe cases, it can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, leading to serious health problems.
Again it is okay to mention that the harsh chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and phosphates, could be toxic to the body, and can cause serious damage to the brain, nervous system, and other organs.
It is important to properly wash fruits and vegetables before eating them to remove any dirt, pesticides or other contaminants, but it is essential to use clean water and not detergents or other cleaning agents.
It is also important to rinse the fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove any residue.
To stay safe, it is always recommended to buy fruits and vegetables from a reputable supplier, or grow them yourself if possible.
One other thing you can do is add a little sea salt to water and soak the fruits in the water for about 30 minutes.