5 Important Things You Should Know about GMO Foods

Being able to distinguish between those foods that are GMO foods and those that are not is relevant to maintaining better health in general. You want to be able to make sound choices, so the most important thing is to become educated. Though this is a fairly new area of proper nutrition, it’s an important one, and these tips will help to bring you up to speed quickly:

1. GMO foods make up about 80 percent of processed foods out there. This is a staggering fact; Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are shockingly common. If you are eating anything processed, then there’s a very good chance that it’s full of GMOs and, therefore, bad for you. It’s important to know what you are eating, which means that you need to opt for fresh foods that have minimal processing, if any.

2. You have to read labels to be able to tell the difference. There is a movement underway to point out non-GMO foods, but it’s still in the works. For the time being, you want to take the time to read labels and know exactly what you are getting. If there are any chemicals or preservatives listed on a food label, then there’s a good chance that the product includes some form of GMO foods and should be avoided if possible.

3. If it sounds too good to be true, then chances is that it is. Since GMO foods are so prevalent, you have to consider carefully what you are eating. If it’s a “diet” food that tastes great but is low in calories or fat, chances are that there is something mixed in that is not good for you. When it comes to “diet” foods, the more miraculous the nutrition facts seem, the greater the chance that there is unhealthy modification or processing of some type and that it will ultimately work against you.

4. Eating too many GMO foods can lead to real health problems. It could cause you problems in the short term but will most definitely cause you problems in the long run. Eating too many of these foods introduces preservatives and other toxins that your body can’t handle well.

5. Genetically modified corn and soy reside in most of the food that you eat. In the end, it is usually the modified corn and soy byproducts that will get to you. Regulations may eventually restrict these GMOs, but for now be on the lookout for such ingredients, as they are prevalent and extremely unhealthy. Always be an educated consumer and eat whole foods!