Avoiding genetically modified foods is important to your health

Part of being vegan is understanding where your food comes from and trying to eat foods from the highest quality sources.  To that end, many vegans (and non-vegans too) have joined with The Non-GMO Project to protest against genetically modified foods (GMOs).


Monsanto, the largest seed company in the world, has shared their goal to eventually convert all crops to GMO crops.  Their argument is that their crops grow faster and are more disease resistant, leading to higher yields and better prospects for poor farmers around the world.  They contend that GMO crops will help alleviate poverty. 


While this sounds like a wonderful goal that we could all get behind, it’s unfortunately not true.  Crop yields are not larger, farmers need to pay much higher prices for GMO seeds, and crops are being threatened by new diseases for which farmers need to buy more expensive pesticides. 


In addition to the economic tolls, these crops have been shown to be dangerous to our health.  The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has stated, “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food” and they have asked doctors to advise their patients to stay away from GMOs.  Some of the risks include infertility, gastro-intestinal changes and immune problems.


Unfortunately we are already eating GMOs and they are in most processed foods.  However, some retailers are taking a stand.  Whole Foods is starting to label foods without GMOs, and Sprouts has committed that they don’t work with vendors who include GMOs in their products, and that all their produce is GMO-free. 


There are eight GM crops: soy, corn, canola, cotton, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.  Be aware anytime you are buying products with these ingredients.  Soy, corn, canola, and sugar beets are especially prevalent in processed foods. 


If you want to learn more or get involved, there are many options.  You can download a free app to help you avoid buying GMOs at the iPhone app store (search ShopNoGMO).  Visit the Non-GMO Project to learn more.  There’s also a GMO Free Arizona group that can be found on Facebook.