Digest

This episode of the Nutrition Diva podcast tackles two common questions about food safety: how rinsing canned beans affects their potassium content and the best way to clean fresh produce. Regarding canned beans, the host explains that while rinsing does reduce sodium, it also reduces potassium, but the potassium to sodium ratio still improves. For cleaning fresh produce, the host emphasizes the importance of washing with cold running water, but acknowledges that in areas with unsafe drinking water, a vinegar soak may be a viable alternative. The host discusses research on the effectiveness of vinegar soaks, highlighting the need for a strong vinegar solution and the potential for salt and heat to enhance its effectiveness. However, the host emphasizes that cooking fruits and vegetables is the only way to guarantee the destruction of all pathogenic bacteria. The episode concludes with a reminder that the nutritional benefits of fresh produce generally outweigh the small risk of foodborne illness, but individuals with weakened immune systems may want to avoid raw produce.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Nutrition Diva podcast and its host, Monica Rinegal.

00:00:02

Rinsing Canned Beans

This Chapter addresses a listener's question about the impact of rinsing canned beans on their potassium content. The host explains that rinsing reduces both sodium and potassium, but the potassium to sodium ratio improves due to a greater reduction in sodium.

00:03:54

Cleaning Fresh Produce

This Chapter explores the best practices for cleaning fresh produce, emphasizing the importance of washing with cold running water. The host discusses the effectiveness of vinegar soaks as an alternative in areas with unsafe drinking water, citing research on the effectiveness of vinegar solutions in killing bacteria.

00:10:22

Outro

This Chapter concludes the episode with a thank you to the listeners and a reminder to submit questions for future episodes.

Keywords

Q&A

• How does rinsing canned beans affect their potassium content?

  Rinsing canned beans reduces both sodium and potassium, but the potassium to sodium ratio still improves because the sodium reduction is greater.

• What is the best way to clean fresh produce?

  The best way to clean fresh produce is to wash it thoroughly with cold running water. For firmer produce, you can use a clean brush or rub vigorously with your hands. For produce that can't be scrubbed, you can soak it in water for a few minutes.

• Is a vinegar soak an effective way to clean fresh produce?

  Research suggests that a vinegar soak can kill pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli. However, the effectiveness depends on the concentration of vinegar, the soaking time, and the presence of other factors like salt and heat.

• What are the risks of eating uncooked fruits and vegetables?

  The risk of foodborne illness from uncooked fruits and vegetables is generally small, but individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible. Cooking fruits and vegetables is the only way to guarantee the destruction of all pathogenic bacteria.

• What are some tips for preventing foodborne illness?

  To prevent foodborne illness, it is important to wash hands thoroughly, clean surfaces, cook food thoroughly, and store food properly. Avoid raw produce and unpasteurized dairy products if you have a weakened immune system.

Show Notes