It can be so hard to resist the urge to ditch your soda… forego the chips, or even tell your coworkers that you brought your own lunch while they all go out and eat pizza for lunch.
If you are accustomed to eating all these foods as part of your normal diet it’s definitely a challenge to to change your habits – but once you understand how that food can affect your health, it does become easier to make better food choices.
Here’s the Problem:
Most Americans are unaware that they are eating genetically modified and pesticide laden food every day. They have blind faith in the FDA, and USDA that those organizations are looking out for their best interest. Will that ever change?
It’s hard to say.
If you haven’t been paying attention to your food the last few years, huge biotech giants have succeeded greatly in replacing U.S. corn with an insecticide producing “BT” Corn — Bacillus Thuringiensis. This insecticide that’s produced in inserts INTO the corn, and it’s impossible to wash it off. The consensus, between these biotech corporations and scientists, and our own government, is that these types of GMO’s are safe for humans – after all, our digestive system will break it down.
But will it? Why do so many people have stomach problems? Health issues?
The big question? If they are SO good for us, then why not label those items so that people know what’s in their food?
Here are 7 reasons to avoid these GMO processed foods from your diet.
#1 – They are addictive
Processed foods are pleasure foods – they stimulate the production of dopamine.. which makes you crave them ALL the time. Chips? Chocolate? Soda?
Just a few of many items that are hard to put down once you pick them up. Manufacturers know just how to manipulate the taste and ingredients to make you want to continue to eat these items, even though you may be aware that they aren’t good.
#2 – Fresh Foods are Cheaper
People who are addicted and buy processed foods constantly are usually the first to mention that fresh, healthy and organic foods are too expensive. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Whole Foods made from scratch cost less per serving than the equivalent items in a box from the store.
It’s all about convenience for most – who wants to make their own food when they can buy it in a can? Manufacturers are counting on the fact that you are busy, have commitments, and therefore will lean towards the more convenient items.
#3 – Processed Foods contain Phosphates
Natural phosphate esters are found in protein rich foods (fish, eggs, meat and raw dairy) – and up to 60% are absorbed by the body. But Phosphates in processed food are higher – because they are used as an additive – preservatives, emulsifier, acidifying agents and more. They are used to intensify flavors. Added phosphates can cause a variety of health problems.
In addition to chronic kidney disease and increased mortality rates, sodium phosphate additives have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, they’re thought to accelerate the aging process, and they interfere with the way your body activates Vitamin D—which is trouble if you’re trying to boost the immune system . Too much sodium phosphate can also lead to weakened bones. (Src)
#4 – Processed Foods have GMOs
Although they may seem harmless to most, GMOs can destroy the function of your gut flora – and lead to problems with gastrointestinal disorders, infertility, and food allergies.
See our last post for a breakdown of GMOs, how they work, and their relation to your gut flora... and read how processed dairy can lead to things like food allergies and asthma.
#5 – Processed Foods have Pesticides
Although the FDA, and EPA may deem them to be safe, it doesn’t take a scientific study to show that the health of Americans in the U.S. has been suffering profoundly over the last ten years. With he rates of diabetes, Celiac and obesity climbing, and with the numbers of people diagnosed with cancer on the rise, it’s clear that the food that we eat is having an impact on our health.
In order to effectively grow the GMOs that are used in processed foods, farmers apply Roundup (glyphosate), and herbicides, as well as other pesticides on food. Not only does your produce have pesticides, it has been shown that as much as 70% of food in the grocery store has pesticides.
#6 – Processed Foods are NOT Real Foods
Real foods grow mold, and rot.
But processed foods remain the same, for long periods of time. IN some cases, even years. That’s because it’s synthetic, and heavy tampering is required to make it taste like it’s real, and desirable, when in fact it’s not.
#7 – Processed Foods Ruin your Gut Flora
And in turn, your digestion. They have been stripped of their nutrients, and lack whole, real nutrients – needed by your digestive tract to break down the food and allow your body to absorb nutrients.
Regular consumption of processed foods throws your entire gut flora off balance – you experience irritable bowel syndrome, your immune system becomes weaker, thus exposing it to more infections (not just you but also your kids, too!)
It’s a Fact…
That many of the people that are in charge of your food have ties to food and agriculture manufacturers. If people ate more whole foods, then where would Monsanto and General Mills be? Not as profitable as they are now.
Money buys much of the influence in food and dietary guidelines just like it buys much of the influence in government, too. You can’t assume they have their best interest … especially when money dictates their actions and decisions.
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