Genetically Modified Foods: Get the Facts

It’s great to be an American; on the leading edge of so many things in our world today. However, there may be some disadvantages of being the ‘first’ in some areas especially when it comes to foods. Genetically modified (or genetically engineered) foods are flooding the grocery stores shelves and the farmer’s fields here in the good ole United States of America. It seems that they have missed asking the question, “Is this even good for us?”.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are just what the name implies. Organisms, in this case, foods that have been changed genetically, altered genetically. My immediate reaction to this name or labeling is one of caution. Once you learn some of the facts you too may be more alarmed than ever before when it comes to food.

Why Use GMO’s

According to a report by Dr. Oz, more than eighty percent of the foods we eat on daily basis contain one or more type of GMO. And what’s more is that the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) doesn’t require that these foods be labeled. That’s right, the food manufacturers taking advantage of the cheaper costs of genetically modified foods doesn’t have to let you know 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.) 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 prices on the grocery store shelves don’t reflect a decrease in costs today.

These are the benefits that the proponents of GM foods claim.

Dangers of GM Foods

While not all of the evidence is in, nor will it be for a long time since the food companies that ‘own’ genetically modified seeds will allow for independent research groups to run tests on these genetically modified seeds, there is reason for serious concern when it comes to consuming GM foods.

Based on results shown in ‘real life’ animals it appears that GM foods pose a huge health concern for numerous reasons. A few of these are:

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

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, according to many leading scientists and researchers. In fact, 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 U.S.D.A. 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…..isn’t that entirely true? 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.

Most Common Types of GM Foods

While the list of GM foods is undoubtedly growing, here are the most commonly found GM foods:

• Corn
• Canola
• Alfalfa
• Soybeans
• Sugar Beets

Now we’re also looking at GM salmon. That’s right; the company behind this is AquaBounty. This salmon will one day be inside your grocery store seafood counter without any warning that it indeed is a GM product.

According to an article by Dr. Oz, recent research shows that ninety percent of Americans are in favor of labeling foods that contain GMO. With such an overwhelming majority of the nation wanting these potentially dangerous foods labeled, why our own government is refusing to do so. I believe it’s all in the name of profit for the food manufacturing industry and agriculture business.

This would be the first GM animal to be sold in the United States but somehow I doubt it will be the last of GM animal to make its way into our grocery stores and the mouths of those in the dark about GM foods.

Top US Scientists Question GM Foods

Despite the warnings of numerous well respected, highly regarded United States scientists about GM foods, our government continues to turn a blind eye allowing not only the continued use of these GM crops in our food products but also deny labeling on foods containing GM products.

Dr. Don M. Huber, a leading senior scientist in the U.S. stated his concerns to the federal government in regards to GM foods. His concerns are about plant death, spontaneous abortions, and infertility in GM fed crops. A newly found organism is speculated to be the blame for this crop and animal problem. The new organism, Dr. Huber believes, is from the heavy use of the pesticide Round Up and Roundup Ready crops (a product of the Monsanto Corporation.)

In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, Huber said the following,

“Based on a review of the data, it is widespread, very serious, and is in much higher concentrations in Roundup Ready (RR) soybeans and corn—suggesting a link with the RR gene or more likely the presence of Roundup. This organism appears NEW to science! … I believe the threat we are facing from this pathogen is unique and of a high-risk status. In layman’s terms, it should be treated as an emergency.” Now that’s some food for thought.

How to Avoid GM Foods

As it goes with many dangerous, yet commonly consumed or used products, we don’t always know the true dangers until it’s too late for many. (Think cigarettes.) 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 such as the salmon soon to hit the U.S. food market.

What you put into your body determines how you feel and look not only on a daily basis but also for the long term. Make sure you’re staying clear of GM foods as well as refined, fake foods.