Have you ever heard of “Genetically Modified Organisms?”  Though they may sound like something from a Sci-Fi movie, these organisms –  frighteningly enough – are likely on your dinner plate tonight.

Genetically modified organisms –  or GMOs – are genetically modified foods created in a lab. In search of the perfect specimen, scientists do some gene spicing and dicing, throw in some bacteria, culture it and maybe even clone it, once they like the outcome.

This all started because large seed companies were looking for a way to patent their seeds and make them resistant to strong pesticides. By creating their own genetically engineered seeds in a lab, scientists can cross and change DNA.  This allows the seeds to be sprayed with pesticides without being killed. Some genetically altered seed varieties even produce their own pesticide inside the plant while they grow.The most disturbing thing is that the so-called foods created from these seeds have not been tested for long term safety in humans or animals.  The only testing performed lasted merely a few days. This is not at all surprising. Big seed corporations are trying to avoid publicizing the possible side-effects of these lab-engineered foods.

The Dark Side of GMO Foods

The companies that make genetically modified foods claim they are safe for consumption, yet this is far from the truth. Listed below are only a few of the many reasons our bodies should avoid genetically modified foods.  Sadly, without proper testing, there is no limit to the amount of damage these genetically altered foods may do to our bodies.

  • Allergic Reactions: Changing the genetic structure of food can produce more allergenic components.
  • Lowered Nutritional Value: Nutrient values are lower in GMO foods than in organic foods.  GMO foods are also often modified to look fresh when they are several weeks old.
  • Toxins: Slicing, dicing and mixing genes can cause mutations, which can produce toxins in the food.
  • Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: Genetic engineers use antibiotic resistant genes, which are absorbed in your gut during digestion.  If bacteria that contains that specific gene infects someone, then it is really difficult to treat.

Avoid The Crazy 8

There are currently eight GMO foods on the market today.  As of now, there is no law in place demanding these foods be labeled as genetically modified.  Without this law, you have a very high chance of purchasing the GMO version when you purchase anything containing one of these eight foods.  The only way to be 100% sure you are avoiding genetically modified foods is to look for a label that says Non-GMO or buy organic foods from this list.

  1. Corn
  2. Soy
  3. Cottonseed
  4. Canola
  5. Sugar from sugar beets
  6. Hawaiian papaya
  7. Crookneck squash
  8. Some zucchini

What complicates the matter is that corn and soy are in so many foods.  It goes much beyond corn chips and tofu.  For example, there is corn in ketchup and soy is in salad dressing. It’s frustrating because these GMO foods show up in places you’d never imagine. Be sure to read the ingredients on labels to avoid corn and soy. If you truly want to be GMO free, cook from scratch and buy organic foods.

Natural Beings Need Natural Foods

We are natural beings who are created to eat natural foods.  When you start altering God design, you’re going to run into problems.  My advice?

Write down the 8 GMO foods and keep the list with you.  Read labels, and avoid these foods like the plague.  You can also write your local congressman to let them know that you want genetically modified foods labeled as GMO.  It is our rights as consumers to know what we are buying and eating.

I don’t know about you, but I will not be having genetically modified organisms for my dinner tonight.

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