Hello World!
I’m really concerned about some of the things going on in the world of science that relates to the way our food is produced. GMOs is one of my concerns. Creating genetically modified organisms is not the same as crossbreeding, grafting, or seed hybridizing. According to the Institute for Responsible Technology, “with genetic engineering, scientists can breach species barriers set up by nature. For example, they have spliced fish genes into tomatoes. The results are plants (or animals) with traits that would be virtually impossible to obtain with natural processes, such as crossbreeding or grafting.” The types of experimentation that has been going on that crosses animal, plant, and other species sounds like something out of science fiction. In fact, I would not be a bit surprised if some of the gross ideas for episodes in the TV series Fringe were inspired by this type of scientific experimentation.
Why am I concerned? Here are some of reasons. If you want to read more, visit the website for the Institute of Responsible Technology.
GMO cotton produces its on pesticide in the plant, and sheep in India allowed to graze on the plants after harvest died.
Because antibiotic genes are often used in the process, “some scientists believe that eating GE food containing these marker genes could encourage gut bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance.”
There are a number of potential health issues related to ingesting GMOs. “These broadly fall into the categories of potential toxins, allergens, carcinogens, new diseases, antibiotic resistant diseases, and nutritional problems. A summary of the 65 Health Risks Presented in Genetic Roulette, by Jeffrey Smith may be found here.
“Various feeding studies in animals have resulted in potentially pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy or increased density of the liver, odd shaped cell nuclei and other unexplained anomalies, false pregnancies and higher death rates.”
Non-GMO Seal
Photo: livingandlovinglifeafter50
How do we avoid ingesting GMOs? That is a very good question, and unfortunately I fear that most of us have already been exposed since most of these modified foods have been around since the mid 1990s. Here are some suggestions from nongmoshoppingguide.com. (Follow the link to read more.)
- Shop Organic and Buy Local
- Look for the non-GMO project seal
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If it’s not labeled organic or verified non-GMO, avoid products made with ingredients that might be derived from GMOs (Corn, Soybeans, Canola, Cottonseed, Sugar Beets, Hawaiian Papaya (most) and a small amount of Zucchini and Yellow Squash, Sugar not labeled pure cane sugar, and Dairy that is not labeled stating No rBGH, rBST, or artificial hormones).
- Download the non-GMO Shopping Guide here.
I for one am going to be more vigilant about learning where the food we eat comes from. Unfortunately, this is harder to do when eating out, so my pocket book may be happy that eating out is going to occur less unless we can locate more restaurants that are also being careful about where they get the food they serve.
Have a blessed and happy day!
Angela
livingandlovinglifeafter50 