Foods you might not wash but should
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases annually in the U.S. Produce accounts for 46 percent of those cases, and germs on fresh produce, such as listeria, salmonella and E. coli, are frequent sources of infection.
One potential source of contamination that you may overlook is the rind or skin that you don’t eat that’s on fruits such as melons, avocados and oranges and other citrus. Their surfaces can carry bacteria that are transferred onto edible inner flesh when you cut through them. One FDA study found listeria on the skin of almost 18 percent of avocados tested.
The smart move is to scrub all uncut firm produce, such as potatoes, avocados, citrus, cucumbers and melons with a clean brush under running tap water. Other fruits and vegetables can be effectively cleaned by rinsing with cold, running water. When done washing, dry on a clean paper towel.
Do not wash any produce with soap, bleach, sanitizer, alcohol, disinfectant or other commercial produce washers or chemicals. You’ll potentially do yourself a lot more harm than good. FYI: Salt, pepper, vinegar, lemon juice and lime juice are not effective at removing germs on produce.
As for “pre-washed” greens or other produce, research shows you do not need to wash that at all. If you do, you risk introducing contamination that, say, lurks in your sink.
Keep smiling
Smiles are good for your physical and mental health, no matter your age. Unfortunately, they’re increasingly difficult for many older folks. A study in Health Affairs found that 50 percent of older adults lack dental insurance, and in 2018, nearly half received no dental care. Put another way, for one in 20 folks, being old enough to sign up for Medicare is associated with loss of all their teeth!
It’s never too early — or too late — to take good care of your teeth. And if the cost of dental care is an impediment to needed care, it’s more important than ever: Brushing and flossing twice a day are steps one and two. Upgrading your diet is essential: High-calcium foods neutralize acid that harms enamel and can help add minerals back into tooth surfaces. Dairy products are a great calcium source; so are soybeans, broccoli rabe, kale and other leafy greens. Drink plenty of water to help boost saliva levels.
And, ditch sugary foods — sugar feeds bacteria that damage tooth enamel.