Health & Fitness
Foodie In Florence: Say NO to GMO's
Learn about genetic modification in our foods and how about 90 percent of your cupboards are contaminated with this modified food.
Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMO's are a hot debate in the food world today. They came on the scene in the 90s and are still in our food system today. The USDA states that 85% of our corn, wheat, soy, and cotton production in the US today is genetically modified.
So what's so bad about GMO's? Although GMO's have been used to create higher yields and more palatable foods, they have been engineered in a laboratory. In order to create a GMO food that will hold up in shipping or be resistant to a pesticide, they inject the DNA of a fish or virus for example into the seed and voila, we have genetically modified food.
What is so scary is that genetically modified foods aren't guaranteed as 100% safe. The top concerns for human consumption are that we'll become resistant to antibiotics, have allergic reactions, and the contamination of organic food with GMO food (think pollination from a GMO field to an organic field). Also, there are NO labels that state what food is genetically modified, just what is not.
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The only way you know you're not eating a genetically modified food is that you buy organic! Otherwise, every single food and food product is contaminated with some sort of genetic modification. From Coca Cola to Kashi, you're eating genetically modified foods. That I can 100% guaranteed.
The top three tips for buying safe non-GMO food are as follows:
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1. BUY ORGANIC: This I know you're already doing, but just in case, buy organic!
2. AVOID AT-RISK INGREDIENTS: If it’s not labeled organic or verified non-GMO watch out for Corn, Soybeans, Canola, Cottonseed, and Sugar Beets.
3. In regards to dairy, products may be from cows injected with genetically modified growth hormones. Look for labels stating No rBGH, rBST, or artificial hormones.
4. Look for the Non-GMO PROJECT SEAL. This seal is only used with products that are "at risk" (meat and dairy) so you won't be finding this on your next can of Coke.
The GMO debate is one that I feel strongly about but one that not many are aware of. I hope you find this post helpful, insightful, and one that'll stick with you! The only way we can make a change is by buying the non-GMO and organic products so let's get shopping!
Buon Apettito!
