News reports suggest there is a link between the increase in colon cancer of under 40s and a bacteria called non-0127 shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) (2a).
This bacteria can be found in your salad leaves (2b). Wash all your salad and green leaves (and vegetables and fruits). This includes those packed “pre-washed” and “ready-to-eat”. This is key to removing bacteria. This increases your chances of preventing not only getting a nasty E.coli infection, causing vomiting and diarrhoea, but perhaps long-term risks associated with bowel cancer.
Wash your salad!
1 – Ignore “ready to eat” or “prewashed”
Due to the texture of some leafy greens it can’t always be possible to remove all bacteria or grime from them within a factory setting or at all, but you can increase the probability of ensuring they are clean by following to quick and easy steps.1 – Ignore “ready to eat” or “prewashed”
2 – Washing may prolong freshness
Washing your salad leaves, veggies or fruits when you first bring them home, may prolong their freshness. More on how you can prolong the freshness of keto-friendly veggies and fruit can be found below
3 – The steps to happy greens
- Remove any discoloured, dead or gunky-looking leaves
- Set a bowl of clean cold water and throw your salad in. Wash your salad by swish the leaves around dislodging any dirt or bacteria built up. You may have to do this a few times, with new water, until the water appears clear, depending on how dirty the leaves are.
- For extra measure, if you want to be even more sure anything nasty is eradicated add a cup of clear vinegar or a teaspoon of baking soda.
- Rinse afterwards
- Now you need to dry the leaves off. I do this with a salad spinner. It’s fun! If you don’t have one, you can open your back door and shake them off (if they are big). This is also fun! Or you can be sensible and put them between two sheets of paper towel.
- You can use them straight away or store them in a container or resealable bag, and refrigerate them. If you put a paper towel in with them, this will absorb any extra moisture and help them stay fresher for even longer.
Hopefully, now you can see why taking the time to wash your salad is important for reducing any risks associated with e.coli bacteria.
