I definitely wanted to touch on GMOs
and give you some more information considering the recent election and Prop 37
in California. Genetically modified
organisms (GMO’s) are just what the name implies. Organisms, in this case,
foods that have been changed genetically, altered genetically.
According to a report by Dr. Oz,
more than 80% of the foods we eat on daily basis contain one or more types of
GMO. And what’s more is that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
doesn’t require that these foods be labeled. The food manufacturers take
advantage of the cheaper costs of genetically modified foods and do not inform
you that these potentially dangerous food ingredients are in their products.
The benefits of GMO foods are that
these types of foods can be grown in less than optimal soils (thereby providing
less than optimal vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.) My Dad is a farmer in Iowa and told me you can’t
even buy seeds today that are not genetically modified!! That scares me!! Another
alleged benefit is that there is less need for pesticides therefore making it
cheaper to grow foods. This allows for less expensive foods, although the
grocery prices are not lower!
Health Concerns with GM Foods
- Increase in allergies
- Increase in antibiotic resistance
- Problems with endocrine system
- Disorders of the reproductive system
- Increase in aging symptoms
Some countries, notably the European
Union does not allow GM foods to be imported. In addition, if their foods
contain more than .9% GM foods they must be labeled so the consumer knows
exactly what they’re getting and consuming.
The USDA and related government
agencies in our country argue against any labeling here on the grounds that
this would imply that GM foods are different. Well…..they are!!! Again, when it
comes to eating healthy and protecting your own health and that of your family
you can’t rely on anyone but yourself to choose the healthiest real foods that
are as close to the way God created them as possible.
While the list of GM foods is
undoubtedly growing, here are the most commonly found GM foods:
- Corn (which is in everything these days!!! High
Fructose Corn Syrup)
- Canola
- Alfalfa
- Soybeans (soy is NOT a health food!)
- Sugar Beets
I urge you to consider the potential
dangers of eating anything that has been altered from its original state and
consider the evidence now starting to come to light about their impact on your
health.
Avoiding GM foods can be a bit tricky since there are no warnings on the
labels. The following are my recommendations for keeping GM foods out of your
body:
- Avoid all foods with corn or canola oils or by
products.
- Look for and buy foods that are labeled GMO free.
- Shop for organic foods. (By law they must contain less
than 5% GM products.)
- Plant your own garden and eat fresh foods daily.
- Read and keep up on the latest GM foods
Need help cleaning up your diet? Schedule a nutrition consultation with me and I will help you avoid putting more toxins into your body!
Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or
Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or
jackieamart@hotmail.com.
As a holistic
nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier
and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life.
You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships,
physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic
food and whole food) is.
