September 23, 2012


Way back in April I did a little post on what REAL FOOD is (you can read that post HERE if you need a refresher). When going back to that post in order to write this one, I realized at the end I mentioned I would explain WHY we eat this way.

But I never did. 

That probably breaks all kinds of "good blogger" rules. I know you're supposed to be consistent if you want people to read your posts. What can I say.....I totally forgot. But, I've officially been reminded, so I'll put that post on the list.

I intended to do just a little short post about GMO's since I came across an interesting article about them. So I think I'll still do that, but I'll discuss it more in depth in another set of posts.

A brief overview:
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. They refer to plants (or animals, but mostly plants for what we'll discuss here) that are modified using gene-splicing technology. This technology allows scientists to insert desirable genes into these plants to create an organism that would never occur naturally in nature.  The two main crops that are at the center of the debate are corn and soybeans. These plants are genetically engineered to either withstand a specific herbicide, or emit it's own insecticide.

Why does this matter to me?:
GMO's have not been proven to be safe for human consumption. This point, is of course debatable. Especially if you ask the company that produces them. This particular company has been known for using it's massive amounts of money and power to shut up anyone who disagrees with them or dares to research their product.
In my research, I've discovered the answer to that question is: NO ONE KNOWS!
For me, that's reason enough to avoid them.

And yet millions of Americans consume them multiple times a day, 

Where are they found?:
For starters, they're in about 80% of processed food. If you're consuming anything with corn or soy in it that's NOT labeled "organic," there's a high probability it contains GMO's.

For instance:

I REALLY had to search, but I found two things in my house that most likely contain GMO's.

See the 5th ingredient? Soybean oil. That's one place it hides.

Or here's a big one: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. Also, plain 'ol corn syrup in this one. It's definitely in there too.

It's also probably in anything (not labeled "organic") that contains CANOLA oil and anything with SUGAR that isn't labeled specifically as "pure cane sugar."

Here's a list of  high-risk crops:

  • Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
  • Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
  • Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
  • Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres) (source)

So, there's a brief overview.
Here's the link to the article I read. Take a look. It's a quick read:

(Or if you'd like the longer version, click HERE to read the actual scientific study. You can read about which organs were most affected in which gender....very interesting!)

You be the judge.

Ultimately, I decided I could not in good conscience feed my children foods that contain GMO's.  And that's a sneak-peak into one reason why we eat REAL FOOD!!


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