We have been hearing a lot about GMO’s in the media lately, and for good reason. More and more people are becoming aware of the dangers to consuming foods containing these substances. But what exactly are they?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. These substances are also sometimes referred to Genetically Engineered, or GE products. They are plants or animals that are created through gene splicing, an experimental technology that combines DNA from multiple species. This creates a plant or animal that would never be found in nature, as usually plants, animals, and bacteria DNA is merged together to create patentable “frankenfood”.
So why create a GE product? This experimental science is being conducted in order to create plants that are resistant to many pesticides and insecticides, so they can be heavily sprayed without dying. Some of these plants are even bred to have pesticides built into them, so when insects eat them, their stomachs explode and they die. There has not been any other proven “benefit” (if you can call it that) of GMO products other than these. As a result, we now have plants that produce sterile seeds, and get sprayed with 15x the amount of toxic chemicals, pesticides and insecticides. Some are even being sprayed with the chemical 2,4-D, which is a major ingredient of Agent Orange. These fruits and vegetables are then brought to your local grocery store for consumption.
Most developed nations do not consider GMO’s to be safe. There are currently 55 countries that have completely ban GMO’s or require their labeling. These countries include Japan, the European Union, and Australia. Here in the US, there is only one state, Vermont, who has just recently passed a bill stating all products containing GMO’s must be labeled in order to be sold in that state. While the FDA deems them as safe, if you research, these “safety studies” have been conducted by the same corporations that that created them and profit from their sales!
In the US, as much as 80% of conventional processed foods are contaminated with GMO’s. The main foods that are now genetically modified are Alfalfa, Corn, Flax Seeds, Rice, Sugar Beets, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Soy, Cotton, Papaya, and Canola. Milk, Eggs, Meat, and honey are often highly contaminated with these organisms due to the diet they are fed. There are also ingredients found in processed foods and vitamins that are derived from these corrupted foods such as Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Ascorbate and Citrate, Ethanol, Artificial Flavor, Natural Flavor, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrin, Molasses, MSG, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Extract, Yeast Products, and flavorings, just to name a few!
While it is becoming increasingly harder to avoid these products, there is a huge movement going on in our country right now that cannot be ignored. We are DEMANDING that these products be labeled. WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW!
The Non-GMO Project (nongmoproject.org) is a great place to look for companies and products that have GMO free foods and supplements! Look for their verification stamp on products when your shopping. Every time you make a purchase you are voting if a company continue to purchase that product or not.
When I opened my store, I decided I would not allow any vitamins that were contaminated. If you are taking something daily to better your health, you won’t be doing that if the products are unsafe. I did a lot of research and brought in the best. While I was surprised at what I found, there are many companies making the right choice and going non-GMO. This movement is just beginning, and if we all come together and speak up for our rights, we can diminish the tampering of nature.
June 11th at 6pm Dr. Gary Gendron will be holding a free nutrition seminar in our store on the health risks of GMO’s. All attendees will receive 10% off their purchases the night of the event!
Please RSVP (239) 596-9017 as spaces are limited.