The Deception Behind Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified organisms have had their DNA altered by genetic engineering called recombinant DNA technology. There are several ways to produce GMO's. Genes can be transferred artificially from one organism to another through a process called cisgenesis or genes can be attached to a virus and artificially introduced from one species to another through a process called transgenesis. This allows plants to become more tolerant to high levels of herbicides and less susceptible to diseases caused by viruses. Through Genetical engineering the toxin Bacillus Thuringiensis has been inserted into corn and other crops so they can produce their own pesticides against insects. Genetically modified foods have been in the market since the 1990's, and there are no laws that require them to be labeled. For some time consumers have been eating GM foods without knowing, and they fear that the same alarming health effects that are being seen in laboratory animals, could in time manifest themselves in people too. Data has shown that animals fed GM foods are exhibiting infertility, developmental problems, organ damage, toxicity and death.

DANGERS OF GMO's.

1. Creation of new viruses and new diseases.
2. New toxins and toxicity.
3. Allergies.
4. Antibiotic resistance.
5. Increased use of chemicals.
6. Side effects and artificial traits will be passed to future generations.
7. Damaging effects will be irreversible.
8. Creation of new weeds resistant to herbicides.
9. Pollution of food and water supplies with chemicals.
10. Decrease in nutritional value.

HOW TO AVOID GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS.

1. Buy 100% organic. By law organic products can not use genetically engineered ingredients.
2. Avoid canola, soy, corn and cottonseed oil. They are the most common GM foods.
3. Read labels.
4. Look at the PLU codes on produce (the stickers on fruits and vegetables). If the code begins with the number 4 it means it is conventionally grown, beginning with 9 means organic and beginning with 8 means GMO.
5. Buy fresh foods since most processed foods are made with genetically engineered ingredients.
6. Instead of buying packaged snacks, make your own.
7. Plant a garden.
8. Learn to cook.
9. Pack your kids lunches.
10. Write to congress and request mandatory GMO labeling laws.

COMMON GMO FOODS.

1. Soy beans
2. Corn
3. Canola.
4. Cotton seed oil
5. Alfalfa
6. Hawaiian papaya
7. Tomatoes
8. Zucchini
9. Sugar
10. Russet potatoes
11. Animal products and dairy from cows treated with RBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) or cows that are eating GM feed.

I'm a specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, author, dietetic technician and an R.N.

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