Ever heard of the term glyphosate? In fact, glyphosate is a chemical herbicide that is often used to treat crop yields and can cause cancer if consumed for a long time. Although the overall risk is still not clearly known, at least try to take some simple steps to minimize the consumption of glyphosate! In other words, avoid foods that have been shown to contain very high levels of glyphosate, such as oats or soybeans, and look for crops or foodstuffs that are free of herbicides. If you buy fresh fruit and vegetables, make sure you clean and dry them well to reduce the amount of glyphosate you may be consuming. With a little more effort, you can definitely cut your intake of these chemicals from your daily diet!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Limiting Glyphosate Intake
Step 1. Avoid inorganic oats and wheat
In fact, many farmers spray oats and simple oats, such as barley or quinoa, with glyphosate for a drier texture and better crop quality. Therefore, always check the label on the product packaging to ensure that the product is organic and not treated with chemicals. If you are not sure about the product description you found, try browsing the internet for more information.
- Glyphosate can be found in bread cereals, oatmeal, and granola bars.
- Glyphosate is not listed in the ingredients in processed foods. That's why, the food you eat may also contain traces of glyphosate.
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency and BPOM have set a maximum glyphosate level for crop yields that you can use as a reference so you are not exposed to dangerous amounts.
- There is no need to throw away crops that are proven to contain glyphosate. Remember, most of the negative effects of glyphosate occur as a result of overexposure over a very long period of time.
Step 2. Buy organic products to avoid pesticide or herbicide contamination
Although farmers use glyphosate in various crops they grow, in fact organic products do not use any chemical substances to repel pests or weeds. Therefore, try to always buy crops at organic growing outlets to avoid contaminants in the form of harmful chemicals. After that, store all organic fruits and vegetables in a different place from regular fruits and vegetables to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.
- Some crop products that generally contain glyphosate are soybeans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and corn.
- Possibly, organic crops still contain a little glyphosate due to exposure to residue carried by the wind.
- Organic crops are generally more expensive than inorganic or processed crops.
Step 3. Look for crops that are labeled “glyphosate free” to avoid the risk of contamination
Some crops even have a special “glyphosate-free” certification after going through a contaminant testing process. Always check the information on the packaging of your crop before buying it to find out. If you find an official certification or label regarding the absence of glyphosate, it means that the crop is safe for consumption because it is not contaminated with any chemicals. If not, most likely there are still traces of glyphosate left in the crop.
You can also buy crops that are labeled “organic” or “non-GMO”. Both labels indicate that the crop in question is not treated with chemicals. However, the risk of glyphosate cross-contamination remains
Tips:
If you buy crops directly from farmers, try asking what type of pesticide or herbicide they use to detect the glyphosate content in them.
Step 4. Try growing your own fruit and vegetables to ensure that all crops you consume are free of glyphosate
If you want, you can try growing fruit and vegetables near a sunny kitchen window or even in your yard! Make sure you only use organic seeds or cuttings from organic produce. Then, take care of each plant so that they can produce healthy fruits and vegetables and do not carry the risk of glyphosate contamination.
Some crops that you can easily grow at home are tomatoes, green vegetables, and herbs
Step 5. Understand that various support groups have banned the use of glyphosate to reduce the risk of future contamination
If you want to support the movement, try to find information on anti-glyphosate petitions on the internet that you can sign, or make a donation to an organization that prohibits the use of glyphosate as a form of your support. In addition, also voice research on the effect of glyphosate on other people so that they too want to be involved in the movement.
Before persuading others, do thorough research first. Make sure you don't spread false or inaccurate information to others
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning Crops Contaminated by Glyphosate
Step 1. Wash fruits and vegetables in a baking soda solution for more effective results
First of all, mix 1 tsp. (5 grams of baking soda) with 500 ml of water, then stir the two ingredients until well mixed. Then, soak the crop you want to clean in the solution for 15 minutes. The use of baking soda in the solution is useful for removing glyphosate residues and making the crops safer for consumption.
- Keep washing fruits and vegetables even if the outer skin is inedible, such as bananas or oranges. Glyphosate can stick to the outer skin of the fruit and contaminate other objects it comes in contact with.
- If necessary, you can make more baking soda solution. However, keep the ratio 1 tsp. (5 grams) of baking soda with 500 ml of water so that the taste of the crop does not change.
- If you want, you can also use a spray cleaner in a spray bottle that is sold in supermarkets, although it is not as effective as baking soda.
Step 2. Rinse the crop under running tap water to remove the baking soda solution adhering to the surface
Place the basket with holes in the sink, then turn on the faucet to rinse the crops in the basket for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, shake the basket and rotate the fruit and vegetables so that all surfaces are rinsed evenly. Once the fruit and vegetables are clean, turn off the tap and shake the basket again to drain the excess water.
Do not just immerse the crop in water because the glyphosate residue left in the water will remain attached to the surface of the crop
Tips:
Use a cleaning brush to remove any dirt or contaminants that are still on the surface of the crop.
Step 3. Dry the crop with kitchen paper to remove any lingering residue
Remove the crops from the perforated basket and dry them one by one using different kitchen paper towels. Thoroughly clean the entire surface of the crop to remove any remaining residue, then separate clean and soiled crops to prevent the risk of contamination.
Do not use the same kitchen paper for different crops so that the glyphosate residue doesn't transfer
Step 4. Remove the outer layer of crop yields to reduce the risk of glyphosate contamination
Remember, glyphosate residue can be absorbed into the crop through the skin or outer layer. That is why, the crops may still be contaminated even after being washed. Therefore, use a vegetable peeler or knife to slice off the outer layer of the fruit or vegetable and remove it to reduce the risk of glyphosate contamination.
