Nutritionist, Author, Entrepreneur
We have all heard the term "GMO" fly around the food industry lately, but what does it actually mean?
GMO
stands for "genetically modified organisms." These are plants and
animals that have been created by having their DNA modified in a lab. So
why are we consuming these Frankenstein-like organisms? GMO's have been
created for many reasons, including longer shelf life, resistance to
weed killers and resistance to insects. Although this may not sound all
bad, the changing of a product's DNA
may cause changes to levels of nutrients that may be important for our health. Many new organizations, including the
Non-GMO Project,
are on a mission to preserve non-GMO products, and increase the
awareness through food labeling. Want to be part of the non-GMO
bandwagon? Here are my top five reasons to let go of GMOs.
1. You may not even know you're consuming it. Are you ready for this shocker? In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as
80 percent of
conventional processed food. It can be hard to keep on top of what food
ingredients are at risk of being a GMO, because they are constantly
changing. Genetically-altered ingredients may also be
hiding
in fruits and vegetables. More markets are beginning to recognize this
growing issue, one in particular being Whole Foods. Whole Foods has been
supporting the Non-GMO project and even lists all of their safe products on their website.
2. It is healthier for the whole family. Shopping
organic is a great step toward ensuring that your family eats the
healthiest foods possible. The challenge is that although GMOs are not
recommended for the
National Organic Program, it also
does not require
GMO testing. For your best bet in making sure you are selecting the
best, healthiest and safest products and ingredients for you and your
family, it is best to choose products that are certified organic
and Non-GMO Project verified.
3. There are plenty of other options. Although it
may be hard to always know which fruits and vegetable products are
non-GMO, by choosing other products that are labeled with the non-GMO
seal, you can begin to change the way you eat. A great brand I am loving
these days is Way Better Snacks. These delicious chips made from
sprouted grains are not only Non-GMO verified, but are high in omega-3s
and other vital nutrients. Another great brand that you may have heard
of is Larabar. A favorite snack of mine, all Larabar products are
non-GMO and organic. By choosing to purchase foods that have been
properly labeled as non-GMO, we are helping to keep these products on
our stores shelves.
4. Use your green thumb. Growing your own
fruits and vegetables
is a great way to avoid GMOs. Make sure to check the label on the seeds
you choose, as well. If the package is not labeled, it is best to
assume that the seed or plant has been genetically modified.
5. Shop the local green markets. Farmers' markets
are a great way to get fresh produce from small local farms. Checking
out these markets will give you a chance to talk directly with the
farmers themselves, and find out exactly where the produce is coming
from.
For more by Heather Bauer, RD, CDN, click here.
For more on personal health, click here.
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