WHAT DOES GMO STAND FOR?GMO = "Genetically Modified Organism."
When we're hungry - or want to take the family out for a special meal - do we load up the gang and head out for the closest chemical plant for their latest "soup" of synthetic ingredients?
Of course not.
BUT - when we eat Genetically Modified Food - GMO's - we are doing just that.
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
WHY ARE GMO'S DANGEROUS?
Independent scientific studies are revealing GMO's are linked to the recent rise in autoimmune disorders, cancer and Alzheimer's.
What crops are commonly genetically modified?
Currently commercialized GM crops in the U.S. include soy (94%), cotton (90%), canola (90%), sugar beets (95%), corn (88%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (over 24,000 acres).
More and more foods and products are being genetically engineered or contain genetically engineered ingredients. Here are eight of the most common to look out for. If a product contains these ingredients and is not labeled non-GMO Verified or Organic Certified, there’s a good chance it contains GMOs:
- Alfalfa
- Canola
- Corn
- Cotton
- Papaya
- Soy
- Sugar Beets
- Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash
ALSO high-risk: animal products (milk, meat, eggs, honey, etc.) because these animals are fed GMO grains and feed.
What product ingredients commonly contain genetically engineered crops?
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products.
How to avoid GMO's? - READ THE LABELS - and Buy Organic!
Look for these two signs on the labels of all packaged ingredients. If the product you are considering buying is not stamped with either of these two signs - then most likely it is contains GMO's.
The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices.
In order to receive this certified label on food products, food manufacturing companies must undergo rigorous, verified processes to guarantee the food you are serving your family is organic and free from all contaminating GMO products. For more information check them out (here).
JOIN THE MOVEMENT & CHOOSE "ENLIGHTENED" EATING ESTABLISHMENTS
We've begun Googling organic - and vegan - restaurant choices when choosing to eat out. The good news is - there are more "Farm to Table" - organic - and Vegan restaurant choices.
Corn & Soy are the number one GMO products - and they are everywhere!
When Vegan or organic restaurants are not available to you - then memorize the above list of GMO foods - and AVOID them at all costs in restaurants. This means in Mexican restaurants - avoid the corn tortillas & chips. If you eat tortillas flour is not yet GMO.
AVOID - "Soy Products." GMO Soy is a dangerous food substance that causes all kinds of illness, allergies, and side affects that are often not connected with eating that vegetarian BBQ "chicken" soy substitute "meat" product at your favorite restaurant.
Side affects of eating GMO soy include mucous buildup, and inflamed sinuses, sneezing and allergy type symptoms. It takes your body days to process toxic soy from your system. And, that is if you don't already have leaky-gut, which then causing even longer for your body to rid itself of the toxins in GMO soy.
For more information about the dangers of GMO's check it out (here)
To know which fruits & vegetables are safe to buy non-organic check it out (here)
Happy - thriving & healthy eating friends!
Author
Michele M. Rizzo
Holistic Health Coach Practitioner