Fruit is literally the candy of the food group – it has sweet flavor and unlike artificial candy, it does provide our bodies with numerous essential nutrients. Sadly, the fruit we eat is often covered in a harmful wax coating which is made from the same ingredient used in motor oil.
Fruit Wax Coverings
In order to preserve the state of their produce, most manufacturers cover their fruit in a coating of wax which removes their natural wax. Apples and oranges are often covered in a petroleum-based wax which can endanger your health. And, although the manufacturers claim that the wax is needed to prevent fungi and bacteria on the fruit, it’s a well-known fact that the wax is also added to improve the color and flavor of the produce. This has led to a heated debate whether the use of this wax on fruit is really necessary.
Fruit wax ingredients
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the ingredients that are used to make this wax. Since it is technically not considered a food ingredient, companies are not required to disclose exactly what the wax is made of.
Through studies, it has been confirmed that the artificial wax used on fruit contains allergens such as gluten, dairy and soy.
Most conventional wax coatings contain preservatives and fungicides. Sometimes they can also contain artificial coloring and dyes meant to improve the appearance of wax. Many dyes commonly used in food products have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer.
How to Avoid Harmful Fruit Wax
Although most wax coatings are harmful, there are a handful of companies which make the wax out of natural ingredients.
Some of the natural wax brands are Syncera, Semper Fresh and Tal-Prolong. These organic fruit wax coatings are produced from beeswax, wood resin and carnauba wax made from palm tree leaves. They don’t have added preservatives, fungicides or petroleum-based ingredients.
If you’re categorical about eating fruit that isn’t covered in any wax other than the one that it produces itself, buy your fruit from the farmer’s market when you know the fruit is in season, as this will ensure that they will not have any preservatives added to it.