I’ve been quite concerned for some time about the plague of genetically modified organisms (GMO) infiltrating our food supply, and for good reason: Roughly 75 percent of all processed foods in this country contain some GMO ingredients.
My worst fears about GMOs were justified, based on a timely piece of reporting by the British-based The Independent that obtained a confidential 1,139-page report about secret research conducted by Monsanto that compared the biological effects of eating genetically-modified corn versus naturally grown corn on rats. And the news isn’t good at all folks…
Rats fed a diet rich in genetically-modified corn developed abnormalities to internal organs and changes in their blood, problems that weren’t present in those eating natural corn. Researchers speculate changes in the blood of the rodents may indicate the rat’s immune system had been damaged or that a disorder such as a tumor had grown and their system was attempting to fight it.
These findings appear to vindicate the work of Dr. Arpad Pusztai, a scientist who was forced into retirement some seven years ago after his controversial study suggesting rats that ate GM potatoes damaged their health. Dr. Pusztai recently noted the huge list of significant differences between conventional corn and MON 863, the kind modified by Monsanto to protect itself from corn rootworm.
Now you have even more incentive to follow my simple guidelines for avoiding genetically-modified foods:
- Buying organic is currently the best way to ensure that your food has not been genetically modified.
- Read the food labels on every processed food you buy.
- Pay attention to the PLU codes on stickers labeling fruits and vegetables in grocery stores.
- Avoid processed foods.
If you think you can’t afford to buy organic foods, you’ll want to read Colleen Huber’s awesome piece on how to do just that and save money too!