We all think washing vegetables is easy – rinse, rinse, done. But what if this everyday habit is actually risky? What if your cabbage or leafy greens are carrying something you can’t see, and it could travel to your brain? Sounds scary, right? That’s exactly why this warning from a doctor is getting so much attention online.
Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, an AIMs-trained doctor, recently explained how improper vegetable cleaning can lead to a dangerous brain disease called Neurocysticercosis. And trust us, once you understand it, you will never wash vegetables the same way again.
What Is Neurocysticercosis?
Dr Priyanka says this disease happens due to worm eggs that enter your body through unwashed vegetables.
She explained that many people believe some “babas” can pull worms out of the ear. But that is not true. The real source is often soil-grown vegetables, where mud gets trapped inside.
Cabbage is a perfect example. It looks clean from the outside, but tiny worm eggs can hide between its layers. If we don’t wash such vegetables properly, our stomach acid cannot kill the eggs. They then travel through the intestinal blood system and reach the brain.
Once inside the brain, they cause swelling. This leads to headaches, seizures, and serious health issues. According to the doctor, this infection is actually one of the common causes of seizures in children.
Scary, but important to know.
How To Wash Vegetables The Right Way
The good news is that Prevention is simple. It just takes a few extra minutes and the right method.
Dr Priyanka shared an easy-to-follow routine:
1. Wash vegetables under running water for at least 5 minutes
2. Let them dry completely before storing
3. Mix 1 spoon of baking soda in 2 glasses of water
4. Soak vegetables in that solution for 5–10 minutes
5. Rinse again under running water
6. Dry well before storing or cooking
These steps help remove mud, germs, and tiny worm eggs that the eye cannot see.
