How Can We Avoid GMO’s & Processed Foods ?
Food today is not what it used to be. Research over 10 years ago suggests that between 60% and 90% of the standard American diet now consists of foods and beverages that are highly processed. (Source : https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/3/e009892)
One can only imagine what the numbers look like today. It was only fairly recent in American history where genetically modified foods were introduced into our national diet. The FDA themselves have been the biggest poster children for GMO foods it seems. This is backwards, considering the fact that multiple studies now prove that genetically modified foods are not even remotely safe to consume. Even the organic options at the supermarket now have questionable ingredients. It is more difficult than ever to find locally grown food from trustworthy sources. This represents the erosion of our modern society in many ways. What is this all about?
There is something very sinister going on anytime you have science continually advancing meanwhile public health is obviously going in the opposite direction. In 2011 the CDC currently reports that 60% of our nation has a chronic disease. Continued research into the CDC archives show that this number has grown 700% since 1935. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/chronic-diseases.htm)
This is just my personal observation but considering this perspective: GMO foods, processed foods, synthetic food additives, the childhood vaccine schedule, and pharmaceutical medicine prescriptions have all ALSO tremendously increased since 1935. Someone would say there’s a correlation between this and the worsening of public health.
There will be more articles in the future to explore why this is so. I plan on going into deep detail about the regulatory capture that has taking place within our government right before our eyes. For now let’s get to a simple 3 step solution that I have created for my personal clients to help them avoid dangerous food products.
Steps One: READ YOUR LABELS
This may seem over simplistic, but this is the most important thing you can do. You should always know and UNDERSTAND what you are putting in and on your body.
Step Two: RESEARCH THE INFORMATION ON YOUR LABELS.
Things constantly changed dealing with our current regulatory agencies. One minute a chemical is approved by the FDA and the next minute it is being taken off the market because it has killed thousands of Americans. It is beyond important that each individual put in the effort to research these things for themselves. There is no better way you can arm yourself than with knowledge.
Also, keep in mind the number system that is used on most (not all), produce commercially sold in grocery stores. These numbers are referred to as PLU codes. The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) assigns these codes, which are optional.
The four- or five-digit numbers identify the produce, indicating size, growing method, type of food, and variety. The voluntary labels tell you whether you are purchasing organic or conventionally grown produce.
Organically grown fruits and vegetables have labels with five digits starting with the number 9.
Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have labels with four digits.
If the code contains more than five digits, it is not part of the internationally standardized system. Most of these are GMO.
Step Three: LET YOUR MONEY DO THE TALKING.
STOP giving your money to the companies that continually perpetuate the blatant disregard for the health of their customers. Stop purchasing all genetically modified products and products with ingredients that you can’t even pronounce. The simple solutions usually work the best! We all have heard about the success of The Montgomery bus boycott during the civil rights movement. In only 13 months this mass protest ended with a Supreme Court ruling. The people still have this power. We just have to utilize it.
The last thing I will leave you with is a list of the 16 most harmful ingredients known to man according to me. My philosophy is if you can at least avoid these 16 ingredients in your food. You will see a major difference in your health and nutrition.
Things To Stay Away From:
1. Refined and Bleached (White) grains: When a whole grain is refined, most of its nutrients are
sucked out to extend its shelf life. Both the bran and germ are removed, and therefore all the
fiber, vitamins and minerals are gone.
Replace processed grains with whole grains, like organic brown or wild rice, whole-wheat breads and pastas, barley, and oatmeal.
2. Palm Oil, Vegetable Oil, Canola OIL & ALL Seed Oils: These oils are omega-6 dominant and promote inflammation within the body. They also come from genetically modified sources.
I recommend : Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado etc.
3. Shortening & Hydrogenated oils : Causes Increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.Also Increased hardening/calcification of the arteries.
4. High Fructose Corn Syrup & Artificial Sweeteners: The worst of all refined grains is high fructose
corn syrup (HFCS). According to researchers at Tufts University, Americans consume more
calories from HFCS than any other source. It's in practically EVERYTHING. It increases
triglycerides, boosts fat-storing hormones, and drives people to overeat and gain weight. AVOID
artificial sweeteners ALL COST. They literally will poison your blood.
5. Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Benzoate
These preservatives are sometimes added to soda to prevent mold from growing, however benzene is a known carcinogen that is also linked with serious thyroid damage.
6. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
BHA is another potentially cancer-causing preservative, but it has been deemed safe by the FDA. Its job is to help prevent spoilage and food poisoning, but it's a major endocrine disruptor and can seriously mess with your hormones.
7. PEG & PG: Polyethylene glycol is a polyether compound derived from petroleum with many applications from industrial manufacturing to medicine. Best known for being in inoculations, namely the Covid-19 vaccination. PEG is also known as polyethylene oxide or polyoxyethylene, depending on its molecular weight.
According to the CDC Polyethylene glycol, has been
associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders and other systemic reactions including anaphylaxis. As a direct quote from the CDC: “Nausea and vomiting may occur because of gastrointestinal irritation. Severe toxicity may result in coma, loss of reflexes, seizures (uncommon), and irritation of the tissues lining the brain. The toxic metabolic by-
products of ethylene glycol metabolism cause a build-up of acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis)”.
8. Sodium Nitrates and Sodium Nitrites: These two different preservatives are found in processed
meats like bacon, lunch meat, and hot dogs. They're some of the worst carcinogenic offenders, and they're believed to cause colon cancer. Protect your health by always choosing fresh, organic meats.
9. Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow: Artificial colors have been linked to thyroid, adrenal, bladder, kidney, and brain cancers.
10. MSG: Monosodium glutamate is a processed "flavor enhancer." While glutamates are present in
some natural foods, such as meat and cheese, the ones exploited by the processed-foods industry are separated from their host proteins through a process called hydrolysis. The jury is still out on how harmful MSG may be, but high levels of free glutamates have been shown to seriously screw with brain chemistry. Don't fall prey to chemical flavor enhancing. Just play it safe and flavor your food naturally.
11. Polysorbate 80: is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier often used in foods, injectables, and
cosmetics. This synthetic compound is a viscous, water-soluble yellow liquid. According to the
CDC polysorbate 80 in its formulation, has been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders and other systemic reactions including anaphylaxis.
12. Mineral oil: Found in baby oil sounds safe but it clogs skin pores like a plastic coating. It can lead to premature aging of the skin and cause acne.
13. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: It is in 90% of personal care products that foam. It can damage cell membranes and possibly cause hair loss. It is commonly found in shampoos. It is used as an engine degreaser and in car washes.
14. Mono, Di or Tri Ethanol Amines: They disrupt hormones and produce cancer causing substances
such as nitrates and nitro amines that are known to damage the liver and kidney.
15. Fluoride: Long-term exposure to levels higher than this can cause a condition called neurological
problems, skeletal fluorosis, in which fluoride builds up in the bones. In some cases, excess fluoride can damage the parathyroid gland. This can result in hyperparathyroidism, which involves uncontrolled secretion of parathyroid hormones. This can eventually result in hormone imbalances, joint stiffness, and pain.
Also, can also lead to weak bones or fractures in older
adults. Found in most toothpaste's used today. The government has stated it can be unsafe.
Children under 7 should not swallow more than a pea-sized amount. If it were unsafe for a small child, why would it be safe in your toothpaste or water, for you or your other children ?
16. Avoid Glyphosate: Glyphosate-based herbicides are the most widely used herbicides around the
world; they are commercialized in different formulations. Their residues are frequent pollutants in the environment. Glyphosate has been associated with respiratory effects (lung and nose), such as irritation in the nose or asthma.
Aundre’ Raashad’s Disclaimer:
The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
For personal Inquiries about nutrition & wellness contact me by email: aundre.r.gary@icloud.com
Bless You
Aundre’ Raashad
Fitness & Wellness Coach | The Raashad Report