Are GMO’S Bad for You?

There are many food products today that you may not know are genetically modified since food manufacturers in the United States and Canada are not required to disclose this fact on their labels. GMOS, genetically modified organisms, are still a controversial subject, however, for many people who are concerned over the safety of this food.

How can you avoid some of the foods that may be made with GMOS?

• Use Organic Food Products

Food manufacturers are not allowed to label their products 100% organic if they have been genetically modified. Be sure the label states that the food product is 100 % organic. Look for food products that state GMO free or non-GM. Although, you may not find this on the label, you can research on the internet, or your library to find out which food manufacturers use only non-GM food products, before you go to the grocery store.

• Buy from Local Farmer’s Markets

A majority of genetically modified food comes from large food manufacturers and industrial farms. Shopping locally may help you avoid genetically modified food, since you can contact the individual local farmers markets asking them if their grain, produce, and meat are GMO free. Generally, they will be willing to disclose this information to their customers.

• Avoid Processed Food

Today, many processed food products, such as canned, boxed, or frozen may be genetically modified. In lieu, of eating processed food, whole foods may be a better choice to avoid GMOS. Not only can you avoid GMO food products, but whole foods are much healthier for you as well.

• Choose Meat that is Labeled 100 % Grass-Fed

Although most cows are fed with grass, corn may be added to supplement their feed as well. This added procedure is generally done to alter and increase the marbling in the meat. Typically, many of the GM food products include corn, soybeans, rice, and cotton seed oil.

What are Some Food Crops that are GMO?

• Corn

• Soy

• Canola

• Cotton

• Some Milk and Dairy Products

Milk may be from cows that were injected with growth hormones. If you want to avoid this milk and milk products, purchase organic milk and check the labels of other milk products to be sure it’s labeled, no RGBH, recombinant bovine growth hormone. In fact, some studies have linked this growth hormone to an increased risk for breast cancer.

What Are Some of the Possible Health Risks Associated with GMO Food Products?

• Food Allergies

Some food may be injected with allergens from another food product that could unknowingly cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

• Link to Cancer and other Diseases

The growth hormone injected into cows to promote an increase in milk production also may increase the risk for certain cancers in humans, such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

• Antibiotic Resistance

The hormone injected into cows to increase their milk production also increases their risk for infections. To combat this dilemma an increase of antibiotics is given to cows, which winds up in the milk you drink. Scientists are concerned the increase of antibiotics humans receive from milk products can also increase their resistance to antibiotics when they take them.

It’s important to know there are alternative choices available for people who are concerned about eating and serving GMO food products on their dinner table.