The Dangers of Fruit Wax: Why You Should Wash It Off
Fruit wax is a common ingredient in many food products, as it gives fruits a shine and makes them more visually appealing. However, fruit wax is not safe to consume and can actually be quite dangerous.
Fruit wax is made from a variety of chemicals, including petroleum distillates and paraffin. These chemicals can be harmful to your health, particularly if you consume them on a regular basis. In fact, some of the chemicals in fruit wax have been linked to cancer.
So, what can you do to avoid eating fruit wax? The best solution is to wash your fruit thoroughly before you eat it. This will remove the wax and all of the harmful chemicals that come with it.
What is fruit wax?
Fruit wax is a coating applied to the surface of fruit to give the appearance of freshness and increase the shelf-life of the fruit. It is made from substances such as petroleum distillates and paraffin and sometimes includes chemicals like mineral oil and carnauba wax.
The use of fruit wax is common in the commercial food industry but has been known to also include pesticides and other food additives. Unfortunately, this wax can prevent some of the natural nutrient absorption of the fruit and can even have cancer-causing agents.
Washing the wax off of your fruit before consuming it is the only way to ensure that you’re not ingesting any of these harmful substances. By taking the time to rinse your fruit before eating it, you will be able to enjoy it in its freshest and most natural form.
The dangers of consuming fruit wax
Consuming fruit wax can be dangerous for a few reasons. We mention some of these earlier, such as the potential carcinogens and other food additives. But aside from this, consuming fruit wax can also be a bad idea because it is a foreign substance.
When we put a foreign substance into our bodies, it can cause our bodies to react in unpredictable ways. This reaction can be anything from mild discomfort and nausea to more serious things such as an allergic reaction or even organ damage and a disrupted endocrine system.
Additionally, the wax can also block our body’s ability to absorb nutrients, which can cause long-term health problems.
The bottom line is that you should always make it a priority to wash all of your fruit before consuming it, so that you don’t have to worry about the potential dangers of consuming fruit wax.
How to remove fruit wax
Removing fruit wax is easy and important for the health of your body. Firstly, it is essential to avoid using any chemicals when removing the wax and any other dirt that may be on the fruit.
1. Start by washing the fruit with lukewarm water.
2. Use a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice diluted in the water to help remove the wax.
3. Using a soft brush, scrub the fruit gently.
4. Rinse the fruit thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
It is also a good idea to wash the fruit again, or soak it in a solution of baking soda and water before consuming it. This process can help to remove chlorine, agricultural pesticides or other potential contaminants.
Conclusion
It is crucial to wash off the wax from fruits before consuming them. Wax is speially added to fruits to provide a protective layer, increase their marketability and increase their shelf life. However, the wax on fruits might contain potentially harmful chemicals, making them a health hazard.
Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove the wax from the fruits before eating them. Washing with lukewarm water, a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice, and a soft brush and rinsing with baking soda and water can all help to ensure that the wax is removed and the fruits are safe for consumption. If you live in Liverpool and just happen to spill some fruit on your carpet or floor then the good news is that our carpet cleaning team in Liverpool can come out and clean them.