Practical Tips for Avoiding Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified foods are not labeled and have made their way into produce departments and grocery shelves in the form of thousands of processed food items.  However, multiple scientific studies have demonstrated that genetically modified foods benefit corporations yet are of great detriment to consumers. 

According to results from a 10-year long feeding study on rats, mice, pigs and salmon, genetically engineered feed causes obesity, along with significant changes in the digestive system and major organs, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, genitals and more.  In other multiple generational animal studies, genetically modified foods resulted in fewer, smaller offspring and sterility by the third generation.  Rodents fed genetically modified corn and soy showed immune system responses and signs of toxicity.  In addition, the stomach lining of rats fed genetically modified potatoes showed excessive cell growth, a condition that may lead to cancer.  It is also unknown whether the antibiotic gene inserted into most GM crops can transfer, which could also lead to the proliferation of diseases resistant to antibiotics. 

Increased allergies are another health concern associated with genetic modification.  For example, cooked genetically modified soy contains as much as 7-times the amount of a known soy allergen.  And, soy allergies skyrocketed by 50% in the UK soon after GM soy was introduced.


One way to avoid genetically modified foods is to buy organic.  Organic foods are by definition  not genetically modified. 

To avoid genetically modified foods, avoid the following conventionally grown foods:

1. Corn

2. Soy (found in tofu, vegetarian products, soybean oil, soy flour, and numerous other products)

3. Sugar 

4. Aspartame (technically a food additive, this sweetener has numerous side effects and is created using genetically modified bacteria)

5.  Hawaiian Papayas

6.  Canola oil

7.  Cotton

8.  Commercial Dairy (which contains growth hormones)

9 & 10.  Zucchini and Yellow Squash (both of which are genetically modified to resist viruses)

References:

"Decade-Long Feeding Study Reveals Significant Health Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods," by Dr. Mercola available from www.mercola.com.

"Top 10 GMO Foods to Avoid," by Elizabeth Renter available from www.oneradionetwork.com.

"Genetically Modified Foods:  Are They Safe?" Institute for Responsible Technology, available from www.responsibletechnology.org.