The first time I heard of Genetically Modified Crops I thought it seemed like a good idea. Wouldn’t crops resistant to disease be a good thing? Well, yes, if their improved resistance to disease did not create other health consequences. Here’s what I didn’t know about GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)
- Because cells contain a natural barrier to foreign genetic material, genetic modification is done by using viruses and bacteria to penetrate the cell and insert the genetic material.
- The viruses and bacteria are supposed to die but studies have shown the bacteria to survive and be present in both animals and humans who have consumed GMO food.
- The most common foods are genetically modified to produce their own insecticide, or be resistant to herbicides. 1 This means these crops can withstand heavy spraying of levels pesticides that would kill normal plants.
- “Currently commercialized GM crops in the U.S. include soy (91%), cotton (88%), canola (88%), corn (85%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (small amount), and tobacco (Quest® brand). About half of the sugar beets grown for sugar in 2008 were GM and current projections are that about 90% grown in 2009 will be GM.” 2
- NutraSweet and Equal contain aspartame which is genetically modified.
- There is no federal requirement to label food containing GMO’s, even though “a 2001 ABC News poll found that 93% of people think the government should require labeling of GM foods”. 1
- – rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) given to dairy cows to increase milk production is produced through genetic modification. 1
Does this sound like food you want to eat? Protect yourself and your family with these tips from http://responsibletechnology.org.
- Buy organic
- Look for “Non-GMO” Verified Seal
- Avoid processed food products ingredients made with these GM crops: Corn, Soybeans, Canola, Cottonseed, Beet sugar, and aspartame
Written by Peter Wright
Photo 1 – Slartibartfarst photos. (Photographer). (2011).Exif. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from https://picasaweb.google.com
1 Smith, Melissa Dane, “Test Your GMO Knowledge”, Better Nutrition, October 2011
2 “GMOs in Food”, http://responsibletechnology.org/gmo-basics/gmos-in-food
Nutritional Therapy and GAPS Diet Practioner at Healing Center of Maine
I’m on a mission to help you prevent and reverse chronic illness by utilizing nutrition to restore your body’s natural balance.
Contact me directly for a free 30 minute consultation.
Contact me directly for a free 30 minute consultation.
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