What You Need to Know About GMOs

What do soda, fast food French fries, margarine, salad dressing, corn chips, and corn flakes all have in common? They all contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms) also know as genetically modified or engineered foods. Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions about GMOs.
What are GMOs?
Genetically modified organisms are plants or animals created through the process of genetic engineering. Genetically engineered foods have a piece of DNA from a totally different species, such as bacteria or viruses, spliced into their DNA. Genetically engineered soybeans, for example, have DNA from bacteria and viruses forced into their DNA to help them withstand the onslaught of weed killers such as Roundup. Genetically engineered corn has DNA added so that it has a pesticide built right into it. This process creates a whole new unstable species of plant that would have never occurred in nature. None of the current GMO crops offer increased yield, drought tolerance, or enhanced nutrition.
Hybrid foods are completely different. Hybrids are created when cross pollination occurs between plants. This process can be facilitated by man or it can occur spontaneously in nature.
Which foods are genetically modified?
As of 2012, most corn, soy beans, canola, cotton, and sugar beets are GMO. From these crops, products such as corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, high fructose corn syrup, and many more are created and added to processed foods. This is why nearly 80% of processed and most fast foods contain GMOs.

Other crops that are genetically engineered include Hawaiian papaya, a small amount of zucchini and yellow squash, and alfalfa. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also considering approving a GMO salmon, which would grow much larger and faster than regular salmon.
Are they safe?
Despite what the agricultural industry might say, there is little research on the long-term effects of GMOs on human health and the environment. The FDA has allowed GMOs into our food supply with only the research and assurances of safety from the biotech companies that create them. Interestingly, the person at the FDA responsible for this decision was Michael Taylor, former vice president of public policy at Monsanto (the largest producer of genetically engineered seeds).
Independent research has found that several varieties of GMO corn caused organ damage in rats. Other studies have found that animals were losing their ability to reproduce. There are also concerns that GMOs can increase allergies or cause immune system problems.
Environmental issues are also a cause for concern. GMOs allow farmers to use more weed killers, exposing both us and the environment to more toxins. Super weeds and super bugs that are resistant to the weed killers and the pesticides built into GMOs are now showing up. In addition, GMO crops can cross pollinate with non-GMO crops, irreversibly changing the face of plant life with unknown consequences.
Are they labeled?
The U.S. is one of the only developed nations that does not require labeling of GMOs. Fifty countries including all of Europe and even China require labeling of genetically modified foods. Many European countries have banned GMOs.
Even though they have been in our food supply since 1996, most people in the U.S. know little about GMOs. Actually, the 2006 Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology poll found that only 26% of American consumers believe that they have ever eaten a food that was genetically engineered. The truth is most people, including babies and children, eat them every single day.
Will labeling genetically modified foods increase the cost of food?
The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act will not increase the cost of food for you or food producers. It simply adds a label to genetically engineered food. Companies change their labels all the time. Remember, when companies were required by law to add trans fats to labels, the cost of food did not go up.
What can I do to eat fewer genetically engineered foods?

• Vote "yes" on the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, which will require that genetically engineered foods are labeled. It will be on the November 2012 ballot. Once GMOs are labeled, we can make an informed choice. We have a right to know what's in the food we are eating and feeding to our families. Visit http://www.carighttoknow.org for more information.


• Buy Organic. All USDA certified organic foods are free of GMOs.


• Avoid nonorganic products that contain GMO foods including soy, corn, canola, cottonseed, and sugar beets. Read labels. If the food contains high fructose corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, it probably contains GMOs.


• Look for the "Non-GMO Project Verified" label. Some companies have voluntarily labeled their foods.


• Shop at Trader Joe's. All of their produce and all Trader Joe's brand foods are free of GMOs. So look for "Trader Joe's" on the label.


• Use the free iPhone app Shop No GMO.


• Go to http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com and download their shopping guide.

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Why Should You Eat Organic Cereals?

What has made cereals enter the mainstream of food and why is every food marketer jumping on the bandwagon? There must be something significant that is making every food category vying to include this element in some form or the other. From products made for kids to items intended for adults hitting the gym or sports-ring, they are a part of every package today.

The interesting twist is that food marketers in our households have been selling us this power-source for many years, but we have not been listening carefully.

Cereals like Upma, Poha provide not only taste but also immense health benefits. Nowadays you can access ready to cook Upma mix.

Foxtail Millets Upma Mix: Regular use of foxtail is a good guard against coronary diseases and reduces chances of cardiac arrest and fatalities. Being a diabetic friendly food, it contains a fair amount of phenolic (a strong anti-oxidant) used to get rid of toxins in the body. People who cannot consume wheat are left with very few options as most of the products in the market like biscuits, bakery items like bread, etc., are made from Wheat. As a gluten free diet, foxtail millet is a perfect food for people suffering from Celiac, promoting digestion, increases energy levels and helping in maintaining cholesterol levels.

Sooji Rava Upma Mix: Sooji is very good for diabetics or those who wish to lose weight. Sooji is made from the durum wheat and is slow to digest, thus sustaining energy for a longer period of time.

Wheat Daliya Upma Mix: An excellent source of dietary fiber, Daliya is one of the best alternatives to wheat. It aids in weight loss, diabetes and prevents constipation. It is also used as a weaning food, to transition babies from breast milk to semi-solid food. Being rich in proteins it helps in building muscles.

Cereals need not be equated to Oats. Cereals like puffed paddy are simply store-houses of health. When one has to control weight without starving too much and without letting the stomach run empty, the best way is to eat a good organic cereal like puffed paddy, also called nel pori or aralu in the local language. It is a very good source of potassium, zinc, copper, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6 pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese. The presence of magnesium aids in enzyme function, energy boosters, strengthening heart muscles, preventing strokes and avoiding heart attacks. Magnesium is also linked to treatment of depression. You can make Bhel Puri with this puffed paddy.

Many recipes that are usually sacrificed by weight-conscious people can be easily remade with cereals like Wheat Daliya, Foxtail Millets, Rava Sooji and Puffed Paddy.

It is an added advantage when the cereals are organic. Organic crops are not exposed to synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and fertilizers that are petroleum-based or sewage sludge-based. Organic farming practices include the usage of natural fertilizers such as compost and manure to feed soil and plants. Crop rotation, mulching and tilling are used to control weeds, while insects are controlled using natural methods such as traps and birds.

Enjoy the comfort of organic cereals and the health that accompanies them.




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Why You've Been Lied to About Weight Loss - The Free and Little Known Way

You've seen a million commercials, you've heard a million plugs, and you've read a billion magazines that all talk about their secret new weight loss cure. The funny thing is that there isn't a lack of scientific finding in the field of weight loss, it's the lack of utilization in reciprocation to the scientific evidence presented to us. There's nothing new about weight loss. Looking back on history, it's obvious to see that for an extremely long period of time we kept our weight in check while eating anything we could get our hands on. Why then are we suddenly facing an epidemic of obesity?
Read the "how" below
You may be thinking that is had to do with the increased production of food, and it's accessibility. While this certainly has something to do with it, it's not the core component. The absolute root cause for the obesity epidemic is additives in the food. With the increase of Genetically Modified Foods (GMO foods) on our shelves, paired with MSG and other toxic additives, it's no wonder Americans are getting huge! High fructose corn syrup, one of the most frequently used additives in food is genetically modified. There has been much talk about high fructose corn syrup and it's link to not only obesity, but a wide array of disease. Of course the implications are true due to it's horrible nutritional content, but also the fact that it is a genetically modified ingredient!

Toxic Sweeteners
With this junk in our food, Americans are growing by the second. With countless studies showing the horrible effects on the human body from increased consumption of these horrific additives, it's amazing anyone continues to eat them. In order to truly begin reclaiming your health, and losing weight, you must avoid these additives. Start buying 100% organic foods, and reading the labels to ensure that the food you are buying is truly quality. Remember to make sure it is a non-GMO product, and check for high fructose corn syrup, as horrible FDA regulations make it so the manufacturer of the product sometimes does not list it's GMO contents. In fact, if it's less than 70% GMO, they can label the product organic! Do your own research into the brand and it's ingredients.

Other things to avoid:
Aspartame - Causes brain tumors. Frequently found in chewing gum and diet sodas.
Trans fat - A well-known "toxic fat", prone to turning into a plastic-like substance in the body.
Reclaim your health, enhance your body with nutritionally-powerful foods, and obtain optimum wellness without paying a dime. Utilize this information and you can potentially change your life for the better. With better physical health comes better living.

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