5 Hacks to Reduce GMOs in Your Diet
Many consumers are concerned about the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their foods. GMOs include plants, animals, and bacteria that have been modified for a specific purpose. Consumer concerns center around the possible effects of GMOs on human health and the environment. These worries may not be unfounded. Food assessors express their own concern over the possibility of GMOs to create new allergens, increase toxicity, and decrease the nutritional value of foods.
While there is still much debate over the negative health effects of GMOs, some people prefer to simply avoid them altogether. Completely avoiding GMOs, however, is often difficult since existing GMO-labeling laws are confusing and debatable at best. Despite these difficulties, it is still possible to avoid most GMOs. We’ve partnered with Dr. Axe to offer these tips to help you identify and avoid GMO foods.
Read the Labels
Despite the fact that mandatory labeling of GMO foods is not in effect everywhere, there are certain types of voluntary labeling that can make identifying non-GMO foods easier. If a food is labeled Certified USDA Organic, it is non-GMO, by definition. Also, some brands have begun including seals on their labels from organizations that certify the product is Non-GMO. If the label contains a seal from the Non-GMO Project, for example, you can rest assured it has passed certain qualifications to obtain that approval.
Avoid GMO Crops
There is a lot of worry about GMO foods. The truth, however, is that there are really only about 10 crops that are genetically modified. These crops include sugar beets, soybeans, canola, cotton, corn, zucchini, yellow summer squash, alfalfa, papaya, and Arctic brand apples. Some of these crops, such as papaya and zucchini, seem random in their selection for genetic modification. Others, such as corn and soy, are in just about everything. Corn is used in everything from thickening agents to sweeteners. If you are able to avoid these 10 crops or foods made with them, then you should be able to substantially cut your intake of GMOs.
Choosing Meats
If an animal is grass-fed, that means it grazed grass until it was taken to the stockyard to await slaughter. While at the stockyard, it was most likely given feed that contained genetically modified corn. If your beef packaging declares it 100% grass-fed and Certified USDA Organic, that means it has not typically been fed corn or genetically altered foods. You can find beef, chicken, and even a simple bone broth protein powder supplement that carry the Certified USDA Organic mark of assurance.
And if you’re getting fish, wild-caught is typically the way to go.
Use Non-Preservative Supermarkets
We’ve provided a list of ten crops that contain GMOs. If you wish to avoid GMOs, the simplest way to go about it is to avoid those crops. As there are a few crops that show up in many processed foods, you should consider foregoing processed foods in favor of fresh, home-cooked meals. That way, you know what is going into the food you eat.
Shop Local
Most of the GMOs you run across are grown on large factory farms. When shopping at your local farmers market, or online at a site like Ancient Nutrition, you are probably less likely to find genetically modified foods. The same is true of ordering from a local CSA. And even if they did grow genetically modified foods, you get to meet the producer, so you can ask directly about their farming practices.
Although the federal government has yet to mandate compulsory labeling laws, if you are dedicated to avoiding GMOs, when possible, it can be done. It takes some effort and you will have to be cautious with the foods you buy. With these tips, however, you should have an easier time identifying and avoiding genetically modified foods.
Written in partnership with Dr. Axe.
