Unexpected Genetically Modified Products

Dr. Hillary

The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits, such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate  (www.csa.com).

Genetically modifying food leads to changes of a plant’s DNA and may lead to unintended and undesirable health effects.

Corn is one of the top genetically modified (GM) crops. Research shows that GM giant Monsanto corn is linked to organ failure in rats.  Researches wrote:

"Effects were mostly concentrated in kidney and liver function, the two major diet detoxification organs, but in detail differed with each GM type. In addition, some effects on heart, adrenal, spleen and blood cells were also frequently noted. As there normally exists sex differences in liver and kidney metabolism, the highly statistically significant disturbances in the function of these organs, seen between male and female rats, cannot be dismissed as biologically insignificant as has been proposed by others. We therefore conclude that our data strongly suggests that these GM maize varieties induce a state of hepatorenal toxicity.... These substances have never before been an integral part of the human or animal diet and therefore their health consequences for those who consume them, especially over long time periods are currently unknown."

Other varieties of GM corn may also pose health risk.

Considering that corn can be a hidden ingredient of many of the foods we consume everyday, we must be vigilant about ingredient list as well as do our own research.

Did you know that table salt, baking powder, and even medications could contain GM corn?

1. Table salt: Iodized salt contains cornstarch to help iodine particles adhere to salt crystals. You don’t even see cornstarch on the ingredient list…



2. Baking powder: It contains cornstarch! You may find baking soda with potato or wheat starch in a local specialty store.



3. Medications: Yes, even medicines contain corn derivatives. If you want an alternative, inquire at your local compounding pharmacy and be ready to pay the price.

Recipe for cornstarch-free homemade baking powder

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon potato starch

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container.

Yield: 1 tablespoon of baking powder

DR. HILLARY Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She has worked with children for well over a decade, and answers online pediatric questions at www.AskDoctorHillary.com. Before she became a pediatric clinician, Dr. Hillary taught high school. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, and traveling.