Big agriculture companies like Monsanto so far have successfully fought the efforts of many people to pass legislation that labels GMO food products. However, it is estimated that up to 80% of foods that Americans find every day in grocery stores can contain at least some foods that have been genetically modified. Below is a list of the top ten GMO foods to avoid.
Soy
This is one of the worse GMO offenders – nearly 90% of soy in the United States has been modified to be resistant to the herbicide round-up. So unless you buy organic soy products or avoid soy altogether, you are not getting just a GMO food but also heavy dose of herbicides as well.
Corn
About half the corn grown on US farms comes from Monsanto, the big ag conglomerate who is responsible for much of the GMO food products in this country. Buy organic corn and buy it locally whenever possible.
Canola Oil
While the health benefits of canola oil have long been praised (it is rich in monounsaturated fats like those found olive oil), much of the rapeseed, from which the oil is derived, has also been genetically modified and subject to heavy herbicide use as well. Opt for olive oil instead.
Cotton
Cotton plants are also frequently genetically modified, and cotton oil often winds up in products like margarine. A better bet is to buy grass-fed, organic butter and just use it in small amounts.
Milk
Around one-fifth of dairy cows in the U.S. are given growth hormones to increase their yield. Buy organic or hormone-free milk or avoid dairy altogether and opt for almond or rice milk instead.
Sugar
Like corn, many sugar beets have been genetically modified to resist the Roundup fertilizer. Local honey is a healthier alternative when it comes to sweeteners.
Aspartame
Aspartame, manufactured from genetically altered bacteria, has been linked to neurological disorders and cancer. Again, local honey is a sweetener much better for you as well as the environment.
Zucchini
Zucchini has also been genetically modified to resistant certain insects and it contains a toxic protein that can pass into humans. Buy it organic or skip it altogether to be on the safe side.
Yellow Squash
Yellow squash, like zucchini, has also been genetically modified and also contains a toxic protein to make it more insect-resistant. Again it is better to buy organically raised squash or skip it altogether.
Papaya
Be careful of papayas, especially those grown in Hawaii, where it is estimated that nearly 90% of them have been genetically modified to resist a particular virus. Look for papayas that have been organically grown or opt for other tropical fruit instead.
These are just a few of the more common GMO foods that are on the shelves of markets all across America. Since labeling laws have yet to be enacted, the best bet remains buying as much organic food as you can afford to limit your GMO exposure.
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