Why you should care about GMOs in your food
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) are making news nearly every day and issues surrounding their safety are a source of ongoing controversy.
Plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals contain higher residues of toxic herbicides.
Roundup, for example, is linked with sterility, hormone disruption, birth defects and cancer. Most GMO crops are engineered to be “herbicide tolerant.” Monsanto sells “Roundup Ready” crops, designed to survive applications of Roundup herbicide. This very process means you are taking in these dangerous chemicals when you eat foods that have been genetically modified.
In addition, genetic engineering creates dangerous side effects. The genetically modified plant can result in massive collateral damage that produces new toxins, allergens, carcinogens and nutritional deficiencies.
Popular GM crops in the U.S. include:
Soy
Cotton
Canola
Sugar beets
Corn
Hawaiian papaya
Zucchini
You’re most likely to find GMOs hiding in the ingredient lists on processed food. Another reason to “crowd out” these food products and incorporate more fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead. These crops sneak into your food in places you might not expect, from high-fructose corn syrup to sugar (made from sugar beets) to chemicals made from soybeans are used as additives in processed foods. Additives including corn starch, corn meal, corn syrup, glucose, dextrose, canola oil, cottonseed oil, soy oil, soy flour, soy lecithin and “protein extracts” (present in many processed foods) are likely derived from GMO crops.
Other sources of GMOs:
Dairy products from cows injected with the GM hormone rbGH
Food additives, enzymes, flavorings, and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame
Meat, eggs and dairy products from animals that have eaten GM feed
Honey and bee pollen that may have GM sources of pollen
Vegetable oil
Vegetable fat and
Margarines (made with soy, corn, cottonseed, and/or canola)
Up to 80% of the packaged foods sold in grocery stores today contain GMOs, but you wouldn't know it because products containing them don't have to be labeled. But, as consumerism on this issue is on the rise, the Non-GMO Project Verified label has surfaced, and is the fastest growing label in the natural products industry.
Non-GMO products are in demand and the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is the most trusted non-GMO label among consumers. This label gives shoppers the assurance that a product has completed a comprehensive third-party verification for compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard.
When it comes to food labeling, third-party certifications are best because they ensure the claim is unbiased, rigorous and transparent. *
How do we avoid GMOs in our food supply?
Look for products that have the non-GMO Project Verified label or USDA organic.
All organic agricultural farms and products are verified by a USDA and must meet these guidelines:
Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for three years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license.
Prohibit the use of GMOs and irradiation.
Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management, and crop rotation practices.
Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.
Although a food labeled “non-GMO” may be a better choice, it would be helpful to know that if you really want the superior product, shop local at your farmer’s market or look for the USDA Organic label. If a product has USDA Organic seal, that means all of the ingredients used are 100% organic.
Preserving and building the Non-GMO Project Verification and USDA Organic supply chain is a critical step towards transitioning to a safe, healthy food supply for future generations.
Navigating your way around the grocery store can be a daunting task. But in order to make better food choices for you and your family, it is essential to educate yourself on the various products, food labels, food additives, etc.
Contact me for a free Discovery Session to explore how I can support you on your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, and how to become your own health advocate.
Coming soon… Finding My Way Notes of Inspiration, a compilation of quotes and notes of inspiration taken from Finding My Way, Facing My Journey with Courage. Will be available on Amazon soon!
To your health and happiness,
Donna Markussen FindingYourHealth.com info@FindingYourHealth.com
*NonGMOProject.org