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August 2013 9
Crystal Durham
Good News
Most are not bothered by the
concept of a nutritionally deprived
world because it does not generally
hit home. It is not something often
discussed openly over dinner, and
the majority of our country’s
inhabitants
are
completely
oblivious to the truth. The reason
for this is not lack of concern; it is
merely a lack of information. So
here is some basic information to
allow you, the reader, an
opportunity to make an informed
decision regarding the purchase
andproductionof GMO’s andhow
the Monsanto Corporation stands
to gain a profit from it all.
What is aGMO?
GMOs are genetically
modified organisms. They
are
plants
that
are
engineered to withstand
herbicides and produce
insecticides, therefore being
able to producemore while
withstanding insect or
natural interactions (such
as droughts or freezes).
They are said to be able to
feed the world, increase
production of produce,
minimize the use of
chemicals, and provide safe
products to consumers.
Sadly, none of that is true. GMOs
are banned in over 60 countries
throughout theworld because they
are not natural.What does that say
about our government’s crusade to
keep them actively rotating
through our supermarket produce
departments? In reality, there is no
proof that GMOs produce more,
have higher tolerances, or offer any
true benefits to the end consumer.
Who isMonsanto?
Monsanto is an agricultural
company that sells genetically
modified seeds and agricultural
chemicals all over the world. They
claim a desire to produce more,
conserve more, and improve lives.
During the 2012 elections in
California, the company spent over
$8 billion to fight Proposition 37, an
act that would have forced retailers
to clearly identify and label
genetically modified products in
their stores. Proposition 37 failed
by 2.8%, almost certainly due to the
massive marketing campaign
Monsanto put on to see that it did.
Monsanto also lobbies to keep
cities and counties from banning
GMOs, therefore producing what
can be effectively called a “GMO-
Free Zone”. The focus is on profit,
with a clear desire to keep the
general public in the dark about the
health risks and dangers associated
with the consumption of GMOs.
Why shouldyou care?
GMOs
infiltrate
the
environment. They cannot be
eliminated or destroyed once
planted and produced. Because
they are designed to be herbicide
and insect resistant, GMOs are
responsible for the creation of
super-weeds and super-bugs that
withstand commonherbicides and
insecticides. This then creates the
need for even stronger, more toxic
chemicals to control these new,
mutated
organisms.
Such
“agrochemicals” were used on
crops inArgentina, where the local
populace
subsequently
experienced
birth
defects,
infertility, cancer, DNA damage,
neurological problems, respiratory
difficulties and allergies, among
other issues. Where is the
improved lifestyle for those
suffering from the use of these
poisons?
GMO products are used
commonly in many commercially
processed foods. Purchasing items
without paying attention to the
ingredients and allowing children
to consume themcan have horrific
effects. Studies have linked regular
consumption of GMO foods to
acute respiratory illness, Attention
Deficit Disorder, autoimmune
disorders, neurological problems,
and many other illnesses and
health problems.
When considering the fact
that these mutated organisms
create mutated insects and weeds,
is it any wonder that they would
also generate new health issues in
humans who directly consume
them?
All the while, Monsanto is
lobbying to expand the use and
impact of these products. Their
ideal vision for this world is that
100% of seeds will be genetically
modified. Such products would
also be patented by – guess who –
Monsanto.
LiveGMO free
How can we avoid GMO
products? Buying produce from
local, organic farmers is one fail-
safe measure that can be taken.
This not only ensures that the
product is in season, but it also
helps the local economy by
supporting
small
business
organizations. Some
products are labeled
“non-GMO” which
can be helpful when
shopping
in
a
supermarket.
The
biggest and easiest
way to ensure you
keep
modified
products out of your
diet is to read each
label carefully. If an
ingredient is difficult
to pronounce or you
have no idea what it is,
odds are you shouldn’t eat it.
A world with only genetically
modified organisms is a world of
genetically distorted systems. The
only way to combat this is to be
actively involved in the food
community and be aware of which
major
corporations
sway
influential
political
leaders.
Understanding the major players
that impact our nation’s nutrition is
vital to ensuring we maintain a
world that will be habitable for our
children and our children’s
children.
For more information on GMOs
and Monstanto, check out The
Non-GMO Project
(nongmoproject.org), Monsanto’s
website itself (monsanto.com),
and author/filmmaker Jeffrey
Smith
(naturalnews.com/029325_Monsa
nto_deception.html).
Crystal Durham studied baking
and pastry arts at the Culinary
Institute of America Greystone
before pursuing a degree in
Nutrition Sciences. Email her at
csdurham901@icloud.com.
>
The Truth Behind GMOs
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