This blogpost is dedicated to my dad. Why? Because the night
I launched my clean eating campaign he calls me and says, “What about the
GMOs?”
The what…?
So, apparently they’re a big deal and quite the controversy
these days. It did not take long to find that there is SO much information. And
NO way to cover it all. Here it is, the skinny on GMOs.
What is a GMO?
A GMO is a
genetically modified organism. Basically, it is the process of taking certain
traits or genes from one plant or organism and using it make another.
Essentially it is an engineered, unnatural way to make seeds.
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| Look for me! I'm the Non-GMO Verified Seal (Right) Certified Organic Seal (Left) |
Disclaimer: I am not a professional in any way such as a
dietician or engineer so I’ll just give the basics and give you some resources
to do more research if you’d like. I’m also not here to choose sides, simply
stating the facts.
Some of the most common GMOs include: soy, cotton, canola,
corn, Hawaiian Papaya, sugar beets, alfalfa sprouts, squash (zucchini and
yellow), wheat, rice, flax, milk, eggs, meat, and honey products.
Why are they considered bad?
From a collaboration of resources I gathered that a lot of
these GMOs cause allergies, skin conditions, chronic conditions, digestion, and
other health concerns to name a few.
Here are a few great resources!
Environmental Working Group
http://www.ewg.org/research/five-things-you-should-know-about-gmos
Environmental Working Group
http://www.ewg.org/research/five-things-you-should-know-about-gmos
The Non-GMO Project
A non-profit organization committed to educating the public
and preserving natural food production. Full of great information! As stated on
this site, up to 80% of processed foods contain GMOs. Also, in more than 60
countries around the World, GMO products are restricted or banned, but not the
United States.
The Genetic Literacy Project
Whole Foods defense…
They state that by 2018 every single one of their products
will state whether it is a GMO product. In the meantime, a few of their
suggestions include: GO ORGANIC, use any of their 365 brand products, be
patient J,
ALWAYS look for the non-GMO verified seal and be informed. Note, according to
the Non-GMO Project, organic certification does not require GMO testing…
An article from the Huffington Post biased against GMOs, however good information.
World Health Organization
So who are the companies being called out?
An ASTOUNDING amount of foods that just about anyone can
find in their cupboards or fridge. You will be amazed. I like this site because
it also gives a good list of companies that are non-GMO verified.
Turns out my dad had a point. A BIG point. It’s a ton of information. The purpose was not to pick
sides, rather be informed and educate. If you have further questions, feel free
to ask me. I’ll research!
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| If you think about my entire food supply this is not much! |
Lastly, I took to my own cupboards to see what I could muster up to show for my non-informed, non-GMO product list so far.
On the FLIP side...
There are plenty of farmers, consumers, and scientists refuting that GMOs really are bad. Is there actual scientific hard evidence to prove that GMOs cause health issues?
Scientific American
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/labels-for-gmo-foods-are-a-bad-idea/?page=1
Forbes: A plethora of reasons that GMOs are in fact, safe, to eat.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2013/10/14/2000-reasons-why-gmos-are-safe-to-eat-and-environmentally-sustainable/
American Radio Works
http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/gmos_india/pro_con.html
A TON of information and a lot of decisions to make. This is just the beginning of a challenging, yet fun, journey!
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