The old saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what if the apple’s DNA has been tinkered with? Is it still the wholesome, healthy snack we grew up with?
Genetically modified foods are back in the news with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent approval of America’s first genetically modified apple. The new Arctic apple had its enzyme removed that causes the fruit to turn brown when bruised or sliced.
Reason to be concerned
According to a 2014 report by Earth Open Source, genetically modified foods may affect liver, kidney, pancreatic and reproductive functions, as well as increase allergies. Animal testing of GMOs has resulted in cases of organ failure, digestive disorders, infertility and accelerated aging. For more information, visit the full Earth Open Source Report.
Scary stuff. But while banned or greatly restricted in many countries around the world, genetically modified foods are fairly common in the United States, in fact they can be found in hundreds of everyday foods that line our grocery store shelves.
GMO’s are everywhere
GMOs are so prevalent you may not even be aware that you are eating them. Corn and soybeans are the most genetically engineered plants today. These ingredients can be found in the majority of processed foods, such as breakfast cereals, potato chips, granola bars, taco shells, even soy-based infant formulas. Anything that contains high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated soybean oil probably contains GMOs. And there are no requirements that these products be labeled.
How to avoid GMOs
For optimal health, we at the Center for Integrative Medicine feel GMOs should be avoided as much as possible. The best way to do this is to buy organic. The USDA has strict guidelines for producers of organic foods that restrict them from using any GMO products. If a food is not organically grown, look for a non GMO project verified label which certifies that it has been tested and found to have less than 0.9% GMO-contamination.
Natural Detoxification
Avoiding GMOs and eating organically is an important step in reducing the contaminants in our bodies. You can also help eliminate body toxins that build up with exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, residue from cleaning products and other chemicals. If you’re interested in exploring detoxification, make an appointment with Dr. Joceyln Cooper.
More about the Center for Integrative Medicine
The Center for Integrative Medicine offers a team of interdisciplinary board certified physicians and therapeutic care practitioners who work closely together to provide patients with exceptional and comprehensive healthcare services. Our progressive form of medical care, called Integrative Medicine, represents the future of healthcare.
