The Diaeta Way
An Introduction to GMOs
The Monsanto Corporation, the world’s largest purveyor of genetically modified food seeds, is combating a growing worldwide opposition to GM foods. Despite the concerns of genetically engineered products, government officials continue to grant approval of these crops.
If you have heard the claim “There is no difference between GMO corn and NON GMO corn” it is false. Corn grown on soil that is fed organic matter is very different that soil that is fed chemicals. Glyphosates are a chemical that are needed to grow GMO crops and glyphosates draws out the vital nutrients of living things.
More than half of all sugar sold in the US comes from sugar beets. That’s also where MSG, monosodium glutamate, comes from. At least 90 percent of sugar beets are GMO.
In the United States, several states have attempted to ban GMO crops or require labeling for GE foods but have faced legal opposition. Opposition is paid for by the makers of grocery GMO’s. From Maine to Washington, a growing number of states are taking on the issue of genetically engineered foods, fanning the flames of a decades-old debate about whether the products are dangerous to human health.
There is a great web site on OrganicConsumers.Org that list the myths surrounding GMOs.
In early 2011, the USDA announced the approval of Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa. Alfalfa is the fourth biggest crop in the country and is grown mostly to provide hay for cows and horses. The genetically modified (GMO) seeds, developed by Monsanto and Forage Genetics, a company owned by Land O’Lakes dairy cooperative, contain a gene that is resistant to herbicides.
What is ironic is that alfalfa is not a crop that needs much to grow. By growing GMO alfalfa, the GMOs are contaminating the food source for cows. And because there is no regulation for labeling we, the consumer, have no idea that we are eating GMO beef!
America’s supermarkets are FILLED in genetically modified foods, most without any labeling! Over the past decade, biotech companies like Monsanto have dominated dinner tables with crops like corn, soybeans and canola, all modified to survive lethal doses of herbicides, resulting in increased herbicide use, a surge in herbicide-resistant weeds, and the contamination of organic and conventional crops. According to the Center for Food Safety more than half of all processed food in U.S. grocery stores—items like cereals, processed foods, oil and condiments —contain genetically engineered (GE) ingredients.
We at Diaeta Way have been strong opponents of the use of Genetically Modified Organisms and the use of glyphosate for several years. Jan has taught several workshops to parents and students and created several power point presentations on Genetically Modified Plants and Associated Glyphosates
We will continue to post blogs that are actual letters or papers written by us in response or questions on our health.
We suggest the best way to avoid GMOs is to know what you are eating!
Processed food is laden with hidden GMOs in corn, soy, sugar beets, squash, flax, and preservatives. If you purchase certified organic products, they will (most likely!) be from foods that do not contain GMOs. Very little produce is GMO. Corn, soy, rapeseed (AKA canola) are the largest things to avoid and most likely contain GMO unless it is verified NON-GMO.
Most recently, we have become cautious about avocados, bananas & potatoes, so it is best to purchase organic.
There are several websites we turn to for resources and cornucopia is one of them
Header Photo courtesy Susy Morris
