GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, continue to fill the food aisles of supermarkets. Most people are unaware of the presence of GMOs in their food as labels do not warn consumers about them. If you’re wondering whether you should be concerned or not, the answer is a resounding yes. GMOs are organisms, either plant or animal, that have had their genetic material altered through laboratory procedures known as genetic engineering.
There’s cause for unease with GMOs as their seeds are designed to enable crops to withstand substantial amounts of herbicide. Glyphosate, a custom-made herbicide that is used alongside GMO seeds, has caused worldwide alarm. But in the U.S., agriculture giants would rather keep this information secret.
As large amounts of glyphosate are applied to GMO crops, there is an increasing possibility of toxic residue entering the food you eat. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently does not test foods for glyphosate, even though they test hundreds of other herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides. Moreover, glyphosate has been linked to cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, autism, and other health issues.
The excessive use of herbicides also leads to the runoff of toxic chemicals into lakes and streams. This, in turn, endangers the lives of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, as well as the birds that feed on those insects.
Know what you’re eating
You should be able to select between GMO foods and non-GMO foods. However, the sad reality is that GMO foods are not required to be labeled in the U.S. In contrast, numerous other countries enforce stringent restrictions on the marketing and sales of GMO foods.
The U.S. is lagging behind other countries in recognizing the health and environmental problems related to GMO foods. Although some food companies that do not use GMOs in their products willingly state this on their packaging, avoiding GMO foods during your regular grocery run is still quite a daunting task.
The best way to avoid GMOs until significant changes are made to the food labeling system is to eliminate processed foods from your diet and consume organic whole foods. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), approximately 75% of supermarket foods contain GMO ingredients, with the four most common offenders being:
- Field corn: The USDA reveals that around 90% of corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. Most of this corn is utilized as animal feed, but around 12% is used in corn flour, high fructose corn syrup, cornstarch, corn meal, and corn oil.
- Soybeans: The USDA reports that 93% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are GMO. These soybeans are used to produce soy proteins, soybean oil, soy milk, soy flour, soy sauce, and tofu, unless certified organic or GMO-free.
- Sugar: If the label on the sugar you buy does not specify that it’s derived from “pure cane” sugar, it’s likely made from GMO sugar beets, which is the main ingredient in 55% of sugar manufactured in the U.S.
- Vegetable oil: Corn oil, soy bean oil, canola, and cottonseed mainly come from GMO varieties.
Protect your health from GMOs
These four GMO crops are commonly found in packaged and processed foods on store shelves. As they are mass-produced, they serve as cost-effective ingredients for food manufacturers, often at the expense of consumers’ health.
To minimize your exposure to GMO foods, consider supporting small, local farms and farmers’ markets in your community. However, it is essential to inquire if the fruits or vegetables you purchase were grown from GMO seeds to avoid unknowingly exposing yourself to potential long-term health effects.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz recommends supplement therapy and detoxification therapies as means of preventing cellular damage from GMO exposure, illustrating the depth of penetration this threat poses.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that GMOs can negatively impact your health on various levels. Making conscious decisions while shopping may require a little extra effort, but it’s a small price to pay for maintaining good health.
To learn more about GMO issues and how to avoid GMO foods, consult the NON-GMO Project.
