*Artificial ripening of fruits and vegetables*
Fruits and vegetables are good source of vitamins and minerals, and play an important role in preventing vitamins and minerals deficiencies. People who eat fruits as part of an overall healthy diet generally have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables every day for a healthy living.
However, health benefits of fruits depend on how they are ripened. The best course will be to allow them to ripen on the plant itself. After proper maturity, fruits ripen in nature by using many physical and biochemical events.
In artificial ripening, this process is mimicked using chemicals. The most commonly used chemical is called ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid). It penetrates the fruit and decomposes ethylene. Another compound that is used regularly is calcium carbide, which produces acetylene, which is an analogue of ethylene.
*Health hazards of artificial ripening chemicals*
Chemicals used to ripen fruits artificially are toxic and can also affect people’s neurological system.
It causes symptoms like headache, dizziness, high sleepiness, memory loss, cerebral oedema, numbness in the legs and hands, general weakness, cold and damp skin, low blood pressure and seizure.
Calcium carbide can cause cancer. Even if consumed in small quantities, it has harmful effects on the liver and other parts of the body.
*How to identify artificially ripened fruits*
Don’t simply pick up fruits which look attractive.
Fruits which look attractive on the outside may not always be good for health. Fruits which look uniform in color are more likely to have been ripened, artificially. Usually, fruits which are naturally ripened are not uniformly colored, instead, they are patchy.
*What is the solution*
The first option is can opt for organic food. However organic foods also use some chemicals, but they opt for safer alternatives.
Make it a rule to not eat any fruit & vegetable that is not in season.
Washing and peeling the fruits before eating can minimise the risks of these chemicals.
*Stay healthy*
