GMOs in food – Where are they anyway?
In my last post, I discussed “what are gmos in food“? Now let’s look at where are GMOs in food and how can we avoid them.
If you live in the United States of Canada, food companies are not required to label GMOs. In other countries, such
what are gmos in food
as Europe, companies are required to put GMO information on labels so they are easier to avoid.
Most GMOs in food are genetically modified to be resistant to herbicides and pesticides. Here are some of the more common foods:
Soybeans – bacteria makes them more resistant to herbicides.
Corn – Bt toxin is inserted to poison pests. Gene is added to high fructose corn syrup and glucose/fructose to make corn resistant to herbicide.
Rice – is being genetically modified but is not safe for humans yet.
Cotton – engineered to produce Bt toxin, prevalent in vegetable oil and margarine.
Dairy – Cows are injected with growth hormone and are possibly fed genetically modified grain.
Aspartame- artificial sweetener found in chewing gum and “diet” beverages, is usually manufactured with genetically modified E. coli bacteria.
Farm Raised Salmon.
GMOs in Food – Buy 100% Organic
In the US and Canada, food manufacturers are not allowed to label something as “100% organic” if it contains any GMOs. Don’t just buy “organic.” Organic products can contain GMOs. It must be labeled “100% Organic.”
This applies to eggs as well. If eggs are labeled as “free-range,” “cage-free,” etc., they can still contain GMOs. They must be labeled “100% Organic.”
GMOs in Food – Read those annoying little labels on fruits and vegetables
They provide critical information. This is actually a system of identifying how fruits and vegetables are grown. If the PLU (price look up code) is a 4-digit number, the food is conventionally produced. If it’s a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it’s genetically modified. If it’s a 5-digit number beginning with a 9, it’s organic.
For example, according to Missourifamilies.org, “… a conventionally grown banana would be 4011, an organic banana would be 94011, and a genetically engineered banana would be 84011…”
GMOs in Food – Buy 100% Grass-fed or 100% Organic Meat
Buying beef from “100% grass-fed” cattle will ensure no GMOs. They same is true for pork or chicken labeled “100% Organic.”
GMOs in Food – Look for “non-GMO” or “GMO Free labels”
They do exist, and more and more companies are recognizing that consumers want this information.
GMOs in Food – Buy Local
Most of the GMOs in food are from large corporate food manufacturers. Buying locally will not only help you avoid GMOs, but it will also save you money and is better for the environment.
GMOs in Food – Avoid processed foods
Most processed foods contain some form of GMOs. Buying whole 100% organic foods and preparing them yourself will ensure they are GMO-free and they’ll be more nutritious.
And last but not least – Start gardening – it’s the only way to know for sure!
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What are GMOs in Food and are they safe?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant. animal, fish, or bacteria whose genes have been
what are gmos in food
What are GMOs in food and are they safe?
Again, there are conflicting reports. In GMO corn, for example, a Bt gene is inserted causing a toxin to develop in the plant that would kill potentially damaging insects. Recent studies have shown that this gene could have an impact on gut, liver and kidney function, as well as fertility.
It’s interesting to note that most developed nations do not think GMOs are safe and restrict or ban their production and sale. In the U.S., the government has approved some GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale.
What are GMOs in Food and Are GMOs labeled?
The GMO food industry has been successful in keeping GMO information off food labels, even though, according to the New York Times, most Americans would like to know what’s in their food.
What are GMOs in food and where are they?
In the U.S., GMOs are in more food than you might think. Click here for a current list of GMO risk crops.
What are GMOs in food and what are the impacts on the environment?
Most GMOs are modified for pesticide and insecticide resistance. Environmentally, these GMOs can overcome plants that are natural to the area. They can also cause “superweeds” which could be detrimental to indigenous plants. There uis so much that is unknown about the environmental impact of GMOs, but what we do know is that once released, they cannot be recalled.
What are GMOs in Food and How do they affect farmers?
Small organic farmers are struggling with neighboring GMO farms. Because of the “drift” that occurs, farmers can no longer claim to be “organic.” In addition, GMO corporations have patented their products. If, due to drift, a farmer’s produce is found to contain a company’s GMO, they can be sued.
What are GMOs in food and are they good or bad? Leave a comment below.
What are the Best Elliptical Machines? 5 Must-have Features When Shopping
So you’re buying an elliptical machine? Elliptical machines give you a low impact, safe workout that burns a maximum amount of calories in the least amount of time.
But with all of the different elliptical brands out there, how do you choose the best one? Here are 5 key features to look for when shopping to help you find the very best elliptical machines.
Best Elliptical Machines – Features
1) Forward and Reverse motions
The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. It works different sets of muscles and results in more calories burned overall.
This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this option but it’s always a good idea to make sure.
2) Adjustable resistance
Quality elliptical machines will have a range of resistance levels. Increasing the resistance increases the calories burned. It also helps you continue to challenge your body as your fitness level improves.
Look for an elliptical machine that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout
3) Upper body workout arms
While you really don’t need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them. They do help to provide resistance training for your upper body – and again, result in more calories burned.
However make sure you don’t have to lean over while using them which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models).
4) Quiet operation
Look for an elliptical machine that is specifically designed to stay quiet. A truly well designed elliptical machine should be fairly quiet at all intensity levels.
Also – cheaper ellipticals can develop a squeak after a few months of heavy use so be careful to buy a quality brand of elliptical machine and steer clear of the cheap department store models.
5) Elliptical Incline
It used to be that only high end, commercial elliptical trainers like Precor offered this option however lately more affordable models like Proform and Nordic Track are offering incline on several of their machines.
Incline is not the same as resistance. It changes the incline of the elliptical motion and helps to work different sets of muscles for increased fat burning and toning.
So those are 5 key features that make up a quality elliptical machine. By looking for most of these 5 key features, you’ll be assured of finding the very best elliptical machine for your needs.
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Follow these tips to improve your fitness level.
Not just crunches: When working your abs, don’t do only crunches. Just one fat pound burns off for every 250,000 crunches that you complete. If you only do crunches, you’re not fully working your abdominal muscles.
Stay Hydrated: Drink before, during and after your workout.
Exercise at home for a convenient alternative to the gym. There are lots of exercises you can do at home and some very effective home fitness equipment for purchase. I use to spend $2,000 for a family gym membership. I now have a weight machine, treadmill, and several exercise dvds. I work out in the comfort of my own home and I’m saving lost of money!
Don’t exercise on a full stomach. If you eat right before a workout, the food that was consumed will not get ingested properly.
Start small: Often when beginning an exercise routine, we go all out at the beginning. Do just the opposite. Start with just a couple of exercises and built from there.
Stretch between sets:Stretch the muscles you just worked out for about 30 seconds.
Exercise while watching tv: If you watch a certain show everyday, make that your workout show. Run/walk on a treadmill, do some weight training, yoga, ad work, whatever.
Breath: Breathe deeply, not short breaths, as you do your cardio routine. You have to provide enough oxygen for your body to exert itself.
Vary your workouts. Doing the same exercises over and over again becomes boring and less effective. Find ways to work out all your muscles in several different ways.
Maintain proper balance at all times: If you are experiencing back pain when doing abdominal exercises, work to strengthen your back muscles.
Incorporate these strategies into your daily routine and you will be on your way to a leaner fitter you. Getting fit includes not only exercise, but proper nutrition.
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Trying a wheat free diet, according to Dr. William Davis, author of Wheat Belly, Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, can lead to weight loss and better health and has proven to be a turning point for many of his patients.
Dr. Davis first discovered the connection between trying a wheat free diet and better health going through it himself. He is a cardiologist who use to jog every day, eat healthy and avoided junk food. Yet he found himself overweight and diabetic. He surmised that his focus on “whole grains” might be the culprit.
Having patients with heart-related diseases at his fingertips, Dr. Davis put his patients on a wheat-free diet for 3 months. The results were pretty amazing:
- blood sugar had dropped from diabetic range to normal. Dr. Davis claims “Diabetes in many cases can be cured – not simply managed – by removal of carbohydrates, especially wheat, from the diet.”
- patients lost between 20-40 lbs.
However, in addition to the above results that Dr. Davis expected, there were several that he did not expect from his wheat-free experiment. Patients reported symptoms of the following either significantly decreased or disappeared altogether:
- acid reflux
- irritable bowel
- rheumatoid arthritis
- asthma
Patients also reported:
- improved sleep habits
- increased level of energy
- greater athletic performance
In addition, patients that were completely wheat-free, then had on occasion consumed a wheat product, reported allergy symptoms, wheezing, diarrhea, joint pain and swelling!
So how easy is it to reduce wheat from our diet? And why only wheat? Why not other grains? Stay tuned …
Read more about The Wheat-free Experiment!
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The Wheat-Free Experiment! – You Should Try It!