How to Avoid GMO Foods to Keep your Family Healthy
Most of us have heard a lot about GMO’s lately, and it can be quite overwhelming. A lot of conventional produce and ingredients are genetically modified. The initial idea of GM foods was to increase crops for the ever increasing population and decrease the need for pesticides. This idea is great, but what is the reality and how is it affecting our health?
In an article by Dr Joseph Mercola, he explains that 99% of GM crops fall into two categories; ‘those engineered to withstand high amounts of herbicide, such as Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready varieties, and those engineered to produce their own internal insecticide (Bt crops).’
Unfortunately, with the widespread use, we now have superweeds and insects that are resistant to the herbicides used in the GM crops. So now companies are making stronger pesticides for the resistant weeds and bugs. With pesticide use increasing and stronger more toxic pesticides being produced what is happening to our environment and our health? It's now more important than ever to choose 'certified' organic.
Five ways to reduce GMO Foods From your life
Ditch Inorganic Soy products
Soybean, the most common GM crop and found in many processed foods. Look out for products that may contain GMO soy derivatives. Examples include tofu, cereals, veggie burgers, soy sausages, tamari, soy sauce, chips, ice cream, frozen yogurt, infant formula, sauces, protein powder, margarine, soy cheese, crackers, breads, cookies, chocolates, candy, fried foods, shampoo, bubble bath, cosmetics, enriched flours and pastas.
Ditch Inorganic Corn Products
The number 2 top GM crop is corn, which is found in many processed foods. Examples include vitamin C supplements, corn chips, candy, ice cream, infant formula, salad dressings, tomato sauces, bread, cookies, cereals, baking powder, alcohol, vanilla, margarine, soy sauce, soda, fried foods, powdered sugar, enriched flours and pasta. - See more at GM Foods.
Choose Organic
GMO crops are not allowed in Certified Organic products. Choosing not only organic but specifically certified organic is now even more important, especially since manufacturers don't have to label GMO ingredients. If you still like your cereal, formula, and corn chips, that's fine, just choose 'certified' organic to avoid those GMO's.
Choose Organic Dairy and beef
Many GMO crops are grown specifically for cattle feed. With lower standards for animal feed, GMO crops are sprayed heavily with pesticides, most notably Glysophate. So our cows are receiving a healthy dose of pesticides which research shows are stored in fat and excreted in the cow's milk. Another reason to make sure all your dairy and beef are certified organic.
Check which GMO Crops are Allowed in your Country
Check with the National legislature to see which crops are allowed GMO in your country. In Australia, the www.foodstandards.gov website states the only crops approved as GMO's in Australia are as follows.
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Kristin Derrin
Author
Kristin Derrin is a certified nutritionist, health practitioner, mum and the founder of June Superfoods, a range of certified organic kids superfood supplements that contain natural fruit and vegetable nutrients to support kids growth and development naturally. Kristin created June Superfoods after noticing a gap in the market for high-quality organic health products for kids. This prompted her to create a product with the highest quality organic ingredients; no added sugars, fillers, or anything artificial.