GMOs - What Are They and Are They Safe?

GMOs are foods that are genetically altered. Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of genes. Scientists can transfer genes from one species to another totally unrelated species.

For example, the genes from a pig can be transferred to a strawberry for the purpose of increasing the cold hardiness of the plant.

Without digging any deeper, that doesn't really sound all bad!

Genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, nuts, fish and animals are being spliced into common food crops or are on the way. Imagine having a serious allergy to nuts and eating a genetically altered food using genes from nuts. You got it! BAD NEWS!

GMOs were started with the intention of improving on nature; giving plants disease resistance, resistance to weed killers so farmers could spray their fields with Roundup without killing their crops. Yes! You are eating crops, such as corn, that can survive spraying with Roundup!

The problem is that there are no long term studies using these freaks of man. Nor are there any safety studies.

One thing that makes the safety of these foods suspect is that some of the most allergenic foods are also the most genetically modified. (corn, soy and wheat)

HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)is the most widely used GMO.

In fact, many countries throughout the world are restricting the use of genetically engineered products in their foods. Recently, South Korea boycotted American beef after the first case of mad cow disease was diagnosed in the U.S.

Cows from large farms are given rbGH (Growth Hormone which is genetically modified) to increase milk production. One of the side effects of this drug is infection in the udder and then pus in the milk. Antibiotics are given which also end up in the milk. This is contributing to antibiotic resistance.

The Japanese are also avoiding American food that uses GMOs. They are sitting back and watching the largest experiment unfold before their eyes on our next generation. These kids have been raised on these GMO foods.

Short of growing your own foods what can you do to avoid GMOs?

1. Buy local produce as much as possible. If you can't, buy organic fruits and vegetables since produce cannot carry the organic label if genetically modified.

2. Since 2/3's of processed foods contain GMO's limit them. Watch for products containing high fructose corn syrup, fructose, msg, soy lecithin, soy protein. There are alternatives to products containing these ingredients. These can be found in health food stores.

3. Grass fed and free range cows are your best choice. Be aware that organic beef may be raised on GM feed. Buy meat locally when possible and know where your food is coming from.

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