One of the things I love to do every year is visit The Natural Products Expo, I go to both shows every year (west coast and east coast) to see the types of natural products food companies are creating and meet the founders behind them. Every year I see more and more Non-GMO products being created which is a great sign of the times, but there’s something really tricky and important you need to know about these products.
There’s a lot of confusion and debate about what non-GMO and organic labels really mean.
The labels are very different! It’s crucial to understand the difference if you want to pick out the healthiest and safest food for you and your family. Every time we decide to buy a product, we are supporting so much more than our bodies. We are shaping the landscape of the entire food system – everything from the environment, land, air, water to the farmers themselves. And this is why I want you to know the truth about the “Non-GMO” label and what it really means.
What exactly does the “Non-GMO Project” label mean?
The “Non-GMO Project” label only verifies that a product doesn’t contain genetically modified (GMO) ingredients (or technically less than 0.9% GMOs). While that is good, it’s not the whole story about what the product contains, how it was produced, and where it came from.
But when I have a choice, I always choose organic food because of these reasons…
10 reasons why “Organic” beats “Non-GMO” every time:
1. Certified organic foods are also non-GMO. USDA organic regulations prohibit any genetically modified (GMO) ingredients in a certified organic product. I avoid GMOs at all costs, and going organic is one of the easiest ways to do it. NOTE: The USDA Organic label certifies that 95%-100% of the ingredients are organic, so there is a slight chance that (up to 5%) of non-organic ingredients are in the product – however they are not supposed to be GMO. There are still some tricky loopholes, so that’s why you need to look for “100% certified organic” or a “Non-GMO Project” verified label to ensure it’s GMO-free.
2. Organic crops cannot be grown with synthetic pesticides, and contain much lower pesticide residues overall. Organic regulations prohibit certain toxic pesticides from being used on crops, but there are no special restrictions for non-GMO crops. So, non-GMO crops can be grown the same as other conventional crops and can still be laden with toxic pesticide residues, including organophosphates that are linked to lymphoma and leukemia. A bag of non-GMO potato chips can contain residues from up to 35 different pesticides used on conventional potatoes, several of which are known carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, or reproductive toxins. Also non-GMO produce (like strawberries and celery) are on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen Guide as the most contaminated with pesticides. While natural pesticides are allowed on organic crops, it’s been shown that organic produce has very low levels of pesticide residue compared with conventional crops, and by eating organic you can significantly decrease your exposure to pesticide residues (source).
3. The most widely-used herbicide on the planet – Glyphosate (Roundup) – is prohibited on organic crops. Non-GMO crops such as wheat can be pre-harvested with glyphosate. This herbicide is a toxin that can accumulate in your body the more you are exposed to it. It has been linked to kidney disease, breast cancer, and some birth defects. According to Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at MIT, glyphosate is largely responsible for the escalating incidence of autoimmune and other neurological disorders that we are experiencing. There are many non-GMO products on the market that contain wheat and seem healthy – but they could be laced with glyphosate. For instance, whole-wheat breads and non-GMO cereals that aren’t organic (like Grape Nuts) may contain glyphosate residues.
4. Organic ingredients aren’t processed with toxic hexane. Most conventional oils (canola, soybean, corn) are extracted with the neurotoxin hexane, and some residue has been shown to remain in these oils. Hexane is also used in the processing of many soy ingredients like soy protein and textured vegetable protein, and testing done by The Cornucopia Institute has found residues in some of these ingredients. Almost all research focuses on the industrial use and inhalation of hexane: “No epidemiology or case report studies examining health effects in humans or chronic laboratory studies evaluating potential health effects in animals following oral exposure to n-hexane are available”. Why isn’t anyone studying how “safe” it is to have this neurotoxin in our food? Industrial exposure has been linked to brain tumors and nerve damage. The FDA does not set a maximum residue level for hexane, and no one knows for sure how much residue is being consumed by the American public. There’s nothing prohibiting these ingredients in non-GMO products, but hexane-processed ingredients are banned from products with the USDA Organic seal.
5. Organic crops are prohibited from being fertilized with sewage sludge. Conventional non-GMO crops can be treated with “biosolids”, which is literally the treated waste that’s flushed down the toilet, and waste from hospitals and industry. This waste can be contaminated with such things as heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dioxins – it’s basically a toxic chemical soup! It’s been shown that some of these contaminants are absorbed into (or remain as residue on) the crops that we eat. These residues have proven deadly to cattle that have grazed on crops fertilized with biosolids, and it certainly isn’t something we should be eating.
6. Organic meat isn’t produced with growth-promoting drugs, like ractopamine. Packaged non-GMO foods may contain meat that has been raised on growth-promoting steroids and drugs. Residues of some of these drugs have been found in meat and it’s been shown that eating products with traces of ractopamine can lead to an unacceptable level of risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
7. Organic animals aren’t fattened up with growth-promoting antibiotics. The overuse of growth-promoting antibiotics is creating superbugs that could threaten the entire human population. Antibiotics have been used for years, not just to fight infection, but to fatten up farm animals. This use is polluting our environment, water and food supply. Studies show that antibiotics have the same consequences for us, and can fatten us up too. This is because antibiotics kill off healthy bacteria in the gut – beneficial bugs called probiotics that influence how we absorb nutrients, burn off calories, and stay lean. Scientists have found that lean people have more of the good, anti-obesity bacteria in their guts, compared to people who are overweight. Growth-promoting antibiotics are only being used to increase industry profits and the best way to stop these practices is to refuse to buy products made with them.
8. The non-GMO label claim is unregulated. Essentially anyone can say that their product is non-GMO, because the FDA has not set any standards to regulate the use of this claim on a label. This is not to be confused with the Non-GMO Project label, as they have a process for verifying whether products are non-GMO, and I feel that their label can be trusted (just as Whole Foods will only label products as non-GMO if they carry the Non-GMO Project verification label or are certified organic). However, some food manufacturers have been caught red-handed with unverified claims on their packages that say they are “non-GMO” when they really aren’t. As no independent 3rd party testing is required to verify their claims, there is some corruption going on. For instance, when Consumer Reports tested Xochitl tortilla chips with a non-GMO claim on the bag, they found GMO corn in them. Since most of these non-verified products have not been 3rd party tested and there are no government regulations, it’s not a reliable label claim.
There’s another big reason to eat organic… It can help you stay thin!
9. Organic foods prohibit many of the chemicals known as “obesogens” that trigger our bodies to store fat. Antibiotics, growth hormones, pesticides, and synthetic preservatives are just a few of the chemicals that researchers have defined as obesogens. The theory that obesogens in our food and environment could be making us fat has been gathering steam ever since researcher Paula Baillie-Hamilton published an article in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2002, presenting strong evidence that chemical exposure caused weight gain in experimental animals. As reported in the New York Times piece, “Warnings From A Flabby Mouse”, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can cause weight gain. This is important because many of the synthetic pesticides that can be found on non-GMO conventional crops are endocrine disruptors. Also – the sewage sludge fertilizing some of these crops has been shown to contain endocrine disruptors. Minimizing your exposure to obesogens by choosing an organic diet may be the boost you need to lose weight and keep it off.
The only difference between these mice: The one at the top was exposed at birth to a tiny amount of an endocrine-disrupting chemical – these chemicals can be found in synthetic pesticides sprayed on non-GMO and conventional crops.
10. By choosing organic food you’ll automatically avoid most of the “Sickening 15” ingredients that I talk about in my book, The Food Babe Way. Chemicals like synthetic preservatives, synthetic pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics are not used in organic food. These are the chemicals that can make you tired, wreak havoc on your skin, make you feel fat and miserable, even though you’ve been dieting and exercising like crazy. Even worse – they may put you at risk for scary, life-shortening diseases like cancer.
I’m not saying that all organic products are perfect. Some of them contain suspect chemicals too.
While it’s best to choose organic unprocessed food whenever you have the opportunity, it’s still very important to read ingredient lists on organic packaged products. Some organic and non-GMO products contain unnecessary additives and non-organic additives that can be detrimental to your health and waistline. Look for (and avoid) these ingredients in organic and non-GMO foods:
- Hidden MSG – Although monosodium glutamate is prohibited in organic food, they can use other forms of free glutamic acid – such as Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Textured Protein. These chemicals are excitotoxins and can greatly influence how much you eat. For a full list of these hidden MSG additives, check out my #1 bestselling book – The Food Babe Way.
- Carrageenan – It’s alarming that this is permitted in organic food. According to research conducted by The Cornucopia Institute, animal studies show that “food-grade carrageenan causes gastrointestinal inflammation and higher rates of intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and even malignant tumors”. Food grade “undegraded” carrageenan is contaminated with “degraded” carrageenan (the kind that’s not considered “food grade”). The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Research Council of the United States have both determined that degraded carrageenan is a carcinogen.
- Unhealthy Oils – Non-GMO canola oil is used in some products, but canola oil consumption is linked to vitamin E deficiency and a shortened life span in animal studies. Likewise, I often see sunflower and safflower oils on the label, which are very high in omega-6 fatty acids, and not the healthiest oil to use.
- Natural Flavors – These are not so “natural”, as they are created in a lab, may contain addicting chemicals and up to 100 secret ingredients.
If you know someone who needs to know this truth – please share this post with them! It’s so important that we keep spreading the word about what these labels really mean. The more we know, the better we all are!
Xo,
Vani
P.S. If you like investigations like this, you will love my books. In my #1 best selling book The Food Babe Way – I teach you even more ways you can break free from the hidden toxins in your food, lose weight, look years younger and get healthy in just 21 days. In my 2nd book, Feeding You Lies, I blow the lid off of the lies we’ve been fed about the food we eat – lies about its nutrient value, effects on our health, label information, and even the very science we base our food choices on. And, my first cookbook, Food Babe Kitchen, contains over 100 mouthwatering recipes to show you how delicious and simple it is to eat healthy, easy, real food. Available anywhere books are sold.
What are your thoughts about B-17? Read an interesting article about it and never heard of it before then. Thanks!!
I think it has the ability to cure “terminal” cancer. Not saying you can take it and be magically cured, but combined with a radical diet change and other non traditional treatments, it works. This is something I know first hand.
There are vast number of things that can cure cancer, but not everything works on every cancer, nor for everyone. Laetrile or B17 contains cyanide in a complex that remains bound in a non-bioavailable form until it comes in contact with an enzyme found only on the outside of some cancer cells. If this happens, the cyanide is released, killing the cell. You can learn more about this from G. Edward Griffin’s War Without Cancer. If you are afraid of consuming cyanide, you should note that another B vitamin, cyanocobalamin, contains it in a form which is released when the vitamin is metabolized. This is why the best quality B-complex products contain methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin.
In Response to Bill, what he is talking about is’ A world without cancer’ (he mistakenly wrote ‘war’ without cancer) You can check it out on youtube.com or buy the book on amazon.com. This is all fascinating stuff. A must watch, read!!!
In grad school, I did a lab measuring an enzyme called rhodanese. This is in every cell in the body and its function is to detoxify cyanide. Cyanide is a normal metabolite at very low levels.
I did my thesis research on jojoba, a desert shrub that produces a high quality oil useful in shampoo and in industry. It seeds contain a cyanogen–a substance that releases cyanide during metabolism.
During my literature search on it, I found that folklore calls jojoba a treatment for cancer–and that the same is true of many other plants containing cyanogens. Obviously, you do want to be careful with such things.
“several cases of cyanide poisoning have been linked to the use of Laetrile [B-17]”
Sounds like exactly what you don’t want to be taking if you have cancer.
No you are incorrect. The first thing you need to do is get educated on B-17 get the book on amazon. Secondly if you are actually just a troll and just trying to derail the comment thread you need to go away. I personally am tired of trolls and hope you are just misinformed. Either way get the book and educate yourself for your own health and your families.
From where did Joe get his “direct quote”? With no citation, it can only be considered an Emphasized quote. Please, post the link showing us the origination of the quote.
At Amy j ,
This is a very important article, do people really have to be immature and call someone a troll? Would you say that to a person? So why would someone need to be so mean spirited?
Hello, Those who don’t know about B17, is discover by Israeli scientist that it can kill breast cancers and prostate cancers. It prevent or ward off cancers. I have been taking B17 naturally from Apricot seeds, five seeds a day, put those in your favorite smoothie drinks. So it doesn’t have any side effect at all, it helps keep cancers at bay. A.C.
thank you, very illuminating!
Thank you for standing up for not only your convictions, but also for exposing the world to the hidden truth from these big, fat corporations. It’s sickening that they would poison their own people for money, power and greed. Yes, i will help you spread the word via your website and my newly attained knowledge. Again, thanks a million for standing up for the millions.
Thanks for the information. When it comes to breads I’m royally confused – whats the lesser evil
Non organic 5 ingredient (e.g. great harvest who say they dont use GMO wheat, no preservatives)
OR organic bread with some preservatives?
I would definitely go organic! There are a bunch of breads now that are really delicious. My personal favorite is Ezekiel – here are some options: https://foodbabe.com/2014/02/24/healthiest-bread-on-the-market/
I noticed you used my artile as yours and you didnt even credit me. I have asked you to please contact me. For anyone who would like to compare, my artile is titled WHY IS THE LABEL GMO CAMPAIGN FRAUD
by Rudy TwoMoon https://whatzenalotionbar.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/why-is-the-label-gmo-campaign-a-fraud/
Have you checked the freezer section? They should have organic bread that doesn’t have preservatives – 2 good ones are Ezekiel (made by Food for Life) and Silver Hills.
Unfortunately some us don’t live in larger towns that have very many organic foods – & no breads.
And partly why I just decided to make my own from nuts & seeds & coconut. And why I have to order most organic veggies & grass-fed, grass-finished beef.
But my desire is to be able to move closer to a larger town where I can just go to the store & buy what I need then. (I do miss Dallas, TX – a little anyway)
I’ve never been more happy than I am now – Yes, I’m on a fairly strict diet – Phase 1 & 2 diet – Know The Cause with Doug Kaufman – since last April and haven’t felt this well for a few years.
That said – just to state that I don’t buy bread anymore. And I don’t make too much but I need to change that because I really do miss bread. But I make crackers & bread using my homemade flour from Unpasteurized Almonds, shredded Coconut, FlaxSeed, and any other from nuts or seeds.
Now I have recently purchased Coconut Wraps which are pretty good & the ones I purchase are only suppose to have Coconut in them. –
I will admit that I have purchased foods that were Non-GMO & not organic when I had to make a choice between the 2 – so I am so thankful for this information & I will NOT make that mistake again.
Bets, where do you order organic groceries? Please provide websites. I also live in a rural area and our local stores don’t offer many organic choices.
Thank you
CW – When I can – when available – I buy Organic produce at the local Walmart – But unfortunately, they may have more some weeks but not on other weeks & not always what I want.
So I order from http://organicmountainfarms.com/
These do cost more = but if you order before March 17 – you can get 20% off when you find the ‘pot of gold’ – I found it when I clicked on the olive oil
You might find someplace closer. Some deliver within so many miles -but usually those are in the north- way too far for me. Hope this helps.
Carrageenan–had an appt. with a nutritionist at MDAnderson in Houston yesterday. I specifically asked her about carrageenan. She said it is perfectly safe in this country and in fact is only unsafe when produced in France? This is very different from what you are saying so now I’m confused.
That stuff is also in my Colgate toothpaste!
What’s also in your Colgate is TRICLOSAN – suspected liver tumor carcinogen; disrupts heart and muscle function by 25% and is a known hormone disruptor. It’s banned in Minnesota. The FDA, I believe, is being sued to get them to ban it, everywhere. Avoid TRICLOSAN. It’s in anti-bacterial soaps, toothpaste, etc.
To you John & Gary,
I used Colgate until I learn about how corrupt this companies are. We all know that Fluoride is bad. start using Tom’s of Maine fluoride free toothpaste until I learn about -sodium lauryl sulfate-it is carcinogen, then I switch to Trader Joe’s Antiplaque toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis & Myrrh. I looked my toothpaste and surprise ,both have Carrageenan. I didn’t see Triclosan in it. Please somebody help me-is there any Toothpaste made by honest, and not greedy company I can use? Thank you all.
Make your own toothpaste….there are a lot of recipes on the internet. I make my own toothpaste and my teeth are not sensitive anymore. 🙂 It’s fantastic!
I make my own toothpaste too. I use only 4 ingrediants-coconut oil, baking soda, peppermint mineral oil and xylitol
That sounds pretty fishy to me. I would do some digging on that topic yourself so that you are completely satisfied! I have only read articles on the topic that states carrageenan is not a healthy or safe choice and it should be avoided. Happy Reading!! 🙂
Re: Carrageenan, I’d been having an intestinal problems for a month or so. I follow a whole food plant based and from eating a healthy diet could not understand what could be causing the problem. Then I learned that it could be carrageenan and that it’s in some plant based “alternative” milk. So I checked what I’d recently began using and it indeed had carrageenan. Switched to another brand without it and my intestinal issues were gone. I have found it in a toothpaste product that I use and that has not caused a problem since the toothpaste is not swallowed. Although I am considering making my own toothpaste.
Not sure why the nutritionist said it was okay in the U.S. but not in France, think that’s weird. That does not make sense and to me, is a contradiction from the nutritionist and not what’s being stated on this site. There are quite a few additives, etc. allowed in US products but that many other countries have banned.
You should not be using alternative milk imho – it is best to eat and imbibe closer to the natural food chain. If you must drink milk then use milk from cows that have eaten clean grass and never received antibiotics etc. A bit like having dinner with actual angels I guess!
Julie, I had the same experience but I got full blown colitis. Since I was eating a relatively healthy diet, I couldn’t figure out the source. I found carrageenan in my milk too, and when I stopped consuming it, my intestinal problems slowly subsided. I don’t care what anyone else says, this additive is a trouble maker. It seems that only certain people have a reaction to it but there’s enough of us, it should be pulled from the market. Its a non-essential ingredient anyway!
@Jamie Shafer – Totally agree that we should consume foods closest to nature and with as little processing as possible. Every so often I become complacent or maybe lazy is more accurate, lol, and do buy almond milk from the store. And when I stopped consuming dairy from clean grass fed, antibiotic free cows, my 3-4 severe sinus infections and allergy for 30+ years came to an abrupt end and I am very grateful for that. Imho, the milk that a cow, goat, etc. produce is only for their offspring and not for human consumption.
@Carolyn Dickerson – Glad to hear that your intestinal problems improved!
Can your nutritionist be trusted? I’ve read that most in the US have to be licensed and the organizations behind that are suspect.
I don’t know Alfredo! I thought she could be trusted. She is a licensed nutritionist at MDAnderson in Houston, one of– if not the best cancer hospitals in the world. She said she had specifically researched carrageenan because several other patients had asked about it. I’m going to still avoid it when possible and be on the safe side.
I asked whether the Dr. Ohhira probiotics had carrageenan and rec’d the following reply from a buyer
“The carrageenan you need to be concerned about is degraded carrageenan. This product is suppose to be food grade carrageenan used by vegetarians to replace animal gelatins. It is also a very small amount. I
Of course I am no expert but that is the information I have read about it.”
I have not found anything concerning any differences of carrageenan & I am still concerned so will not purchase.
Yes, I think we should all just make our own toothpaste. I have for about 2 months and this week will be trying a different recipe that is suppose to re-mineralize my teeth as well as a mouth rinse.
And I make my own no-poo & lip balm & will be making hand & body lotion this week.
It does seem expensive at first but what I’ve used does last & in the long run it is so much better for me & my body.
And there are recipes for all of these all over the internet. – so you can find an easier one to start with (that’s how I started but I still don’t want many ingredients in it – I just want to make it & use it….)
Karen, Ben, Liz, Joyful Judy . . . with time we are going to get smarter and wiser!!! So many issues could be avoided if people started making their own health products. Buying bulk foods and eating them avoids so many problems as well. I believe there will be a rush on farmland soon for just that reason. Groups of people growing their own food and creating their own health body care items as well. Keep educating yourselves and spread the word. Prayer never hurts either. It opens doors. . . well beyond our daily bread. God’s Blessings!
I just heard while studying and learning at Hippocrates a Health Institute, that Monsantos “Round-up” is allowed in Organic Farming?? Is that true? If so, it’s shocking!
Not that I know of!
Please, if you see any articles online that Monsanto’s Round-Up is being allowed in/on organic farming, you really need to spread the word to all organic websites immediately!!
I’d be leery of anything being taught there. To my understanding they are under investigation for making all kinds of fraudulent claims. Although, I have read that organic farms may become contaminated with glyphosate from the runoff of conventional farms, the use of glyphosate on USDA certified organic farms is prohibited.
Great post Vani! Thank you! ❤️
This is a big jump Voni …I think the conversation should be to avoid this and find a organic farmer or co-op or better yet grow your own garden . This labeling law or struggle to label is not going well . We should focus on spreading the word , the dangers , and move to a non gmo society that will have the biggest impact . Most of the studies are slanted to monsanto…..The books that I read ,,SEEDS OF DESTRUCTION , SEEDS OF DECEPTION both tell the horror stoy ,time line and why this has happened . GO ORGANIC , GLUTENFREE ,SUGARFREE ….stay safe
I also agree that spreading the word and just committing to non gmo and eating organic and growing community gardens is a big push in the right direction. More people become self sustained or at least educated and then the big companies will have no other options but to follow the trends or disappear. Who are they without the people (Consumers)?
Thank Vani for all the hard work! Keep the movement going for the health of our nation!
I was unable to find a way to post an original question/comment so here goes:
1. When companies say they will remove ingredients with what do they replace them? Lara Adler, an environmental toxin expert, points out that BPA in plastics has been replaced with another plastic that is just as bad (BPS?). I’m not a real trusting person when it comes to these types of things.
2. Have you ever thought to explore the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list?
Good Work!!!…..
Have you thought about petitions for getting the soy out of infant formula and toxic additives out of vitamins….?
Tess
Good idea. In the fussy eaters formula of a popular baby formula the first ingredient is HFCS. How can that be good?
Hi Food Babe,
I recently bought your book from ebooks and your book is great. Question will I receive your ultimate grocery guide?
With thanks,
It should be remembered that organic crops are usually grown in soil which is as depleted of trace nutrients as those which are grown using all the petrochemical herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Plants don’t require the trace nutrients that mammalian cells do, and eating plants that were grown on depleted soil, or animals that were fed such plants, will insure a certain level of malnutrition if not corrected by supplementation.
I grow organic vegetables and some fruits and I think that most people that grow organically practice “taking care of the soil”. Maybe you could research this for yourself and learn how organic growers build up the soil.
Most who grow organically probably take steps that most corporate growers don’t.
Thanks Vani for answering my question so quickly. I appreciate your wealth of knowledge.
You should write about this:
http://www.naturalnews.com/047868_glyphosate_contamination_organic_food_pesticide_residue.html
I too just recently purchase your book from Amazon.com can I receive the ultimate grocery list? Also I could not find info on B 17 in your book…were. you referring to another book?
Yes – please fill out the form here: http://thefoodbabeway.com
Carrageenan I avoid it at all cost. I know it’s in my favorite almond milk which made me find another brand that doesn’t contain it. Its even herbal/ vitamin supplements and toothpaste. My body is so over taxed and sick right now I just don’t take chances. I’m in the process of switching out my cookware. It’s so hard to keep all this stuff straight it’s effects can be dizzying to say the least. I really didn’t know this about GMO and organic. This was eye opening Vani it really was. Thank You 🙂
I agree. – When I first decided to buy Almond Milk, I didn’t check the ingredients until I got home & after I had drank half of it – Now I just make my own using unpasteurized almonds I buy from a farm in the USA.
I’ve been reading ingredients for years (mainly to avoid soy) and after finding Carrageenan in various foods – AND found that it is often in Infant foods..
that really bothers me.
How did you find a farm that doesn’t pasteurize their nuts?
I searched online. Only those sold to Retail stores have to be pasteurized.
And these are only available during a part of the year so you have to check when available & get your order in.
There is more than one almond farm in the USA that does not pasteurize the almonds & walnuts I’ve purchased. I would rather buy in the USA than the nuts grown overseas.
HI there,
I just recently bought your book, I would really like to receive the bonus Grocery Guide that you mentioned above. Is there a way I can get it?
Thank you for all you do and all the wonderful info you provide. I send your research to people daily and I have drastically changed my mindset towards food with the help of your research.
Thanks,
Charles
Please fill out the form here: http://thefoodbabeway.com
Dear Vani: I applaud and support what your doing, being an advocate for health is indeed a wonderful thing and exposing untruths, toxins and harmful ingredients in our food is such a blessing, having someone come forward and be a champion for the truth………awesome. My struggle is that while organic is best, no doubt where is the proof that it is organic. As our government if putting harmful things in our food they are also putting harmful things in the air (chemtrails) so if organic foods are grown outside with the absence of pesticides, it is still getting all the harmful toxic stuff from the rain and that rain is going into the soil where there is a build up of harmful chemicals. Secondly organic is said to be better but is often much more expensive, and while people with a good income or a two income family maybe able to afford it, what about the single working parent, widow or widower on a pension, people on disability and lets not forget those parents who cannot find a job and rely on welfare……none of these people can afford organic generally. Lets not forget location some places organic foods are more readily available, easily accessible because there maybe lots of country folk growing it, so then the prices may not be as high. Now while organic maybe toted as being better for you, it simply may not be obtainable for a variety of reasons for some people, in that case what options are available for them?. They are forced to feed and eat pestaside laden foods, gmo food themselves, let’s face it poverty prevents health in allot of area’s. We need to deal with GMO’S and get back to real food and making healthy food available for all people
I couldn’t agree with you more!
Need to grow food in climate controlled greenhouse with GMO, Chemtrail Filters to get that quality food.
I would love to do that Mark and it is an excellent suggestion but again it is something that costs money, money for the soil, money to build the green house and that is if you are blessed to own the land (so you can build one) rental properties sometimes are not to keen on that sort of thing. There needs to be more realistic solutions available for all people.
I am on disability and yes, the budget is tight, but non-organic makes me sick. So I limit meat and get some veggies an the low-pesticide residue list from my local store. But the main thing is I cook almost entirely from scratch.
mercola.com did a study on grocery prices and found the all-organic shopping cart cost about the same as the typical junk-laden American shopping cart that is mostly processed, packaged food.
I live in a relatively poor neighborhood. My local supermarket has less organic than the same company in richer areas because these people think they ca’t afford quality. But the store is loaded with frozen and canned trash. These people aren’t saving any money. They aren’t saving much time, either.
We are buying way less meat but higher quality….no shots or hormones but we lean more towards lentils, Quinoa, and try to buy veggies that are more pesticide resistant . Eating Well has an article that says “15 foods you don’t need to eat organic” and I also look at foods that are high in pesticides and try to keep away from them. We eat more curries now, and make flat breads with better flours. I live in the country where organic food is readily assessable but expensive….if it is on sale or on par in price with regular stuff, I will buy it when I can.
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, has a system for growing vegetables and herbs without toxics. (foodrising.org) My husband has been interested in growing hydroponically but hasn’t done it so far. After watching Mike Adam’s video he want to try that, or similar, system. He will be doing it in house using 3 gallon pails that are food grade (available free at Walmart bakeries – icing comes in them) Our concern is that even though they are food grade, are there chemicals that will leach into the water and then into the plants.
I have a lot of friends who use these excuses to continue buying their Doritos and eating their McDonald’s. It’s really all about prioritizing and making transitions. Years ago, when I first started buying organic, it seemed so expensive and difficult to maintain, but I did it. Now, it’s just a way of life and I don’t feel I spend more money on groceries than the average American. Also, the more people who buy organic, the more available it will become. I’m already seeing stores like Walmart expanding their organic selection and it keeps growing. Also, when I can’t find something locally, I plan a shopping trip in a bigger city nearby or I order online.
I believe in straight up honesty and direct communication. I DON”T eat McDonald’s haven’t done that for literally years. I don’t smoke, drink or use drugs , my weakness is popcorn and my limit is twice a month. I cook better than most restaurants….not bragging just a fact. Putting in a snide comment about McDonald’s or Doritos implying that is why people cannot afford organic is not only a snide comment but based on your assumption, it maybe the case for some people but it certainly isn’t the case for all people and the fact remains ……organic food is extremely expensive and that is just a fact. As you probably don’t live in my area in the west coast of canada, it is fair to assume you have no idea what food prices are here let along organic prices. I don’t make excuses , just stating a fact
Where do you order online organic groceries? I live in a rural area and need to find an easier way to buy organic. Thank you
I wasn’t trying to sound snide, as I was also just stating a fact. I said I have friends, acquaintances, people I know personally, who say eating organic is too expensive, yet they have no problem spending money on loads of junk. I understand this isn’t everyone and I also understand the prices of things differ from one area to the next. When I started eating organic it was much more expensive and hard to find locally. If it weren’t for the internet, I probably would have been out of luck. I bought all of my staple ingredients online and I went vegetarian because I couldn’t find reasonable priced organic meats or eggs online or local. I avoided all suspect GMO ingredients in produce and in prepackaged or processed foods. I had to limit my diet because availability was limited, but being healthy was, and is, much more important to me. I had many health problems, mostly gastrointestinal and endocrine, and my body was deteriorating at a very young age. So, for me, it is about priority. I would rather spend a lot for a small amount of food that I know will nourish me than spend a little for a lot of food that will make me sick.
Yes organic is expensive, in some places more so than in others. However, due to the lack of the chemicals Vani has been teaching about, and perhaps because they have more nutrients, people tend to eat less of them than they would conventional foods. I agree 100% with those who say cooking from scratch will save you more than enough to cover the extra cost of organic, especially if you cut way back or completely eliminate meat, eggs, cheese, milk, and especially all oils. Those are not necessary for good health and I believe impede it. If you base your diet on starches, such as potatoes, gluten free pasta, rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, and lentils and fill it out with vegetables and fruits not only will you cut your food budget by huge amounts, but you will also start losing weight, and losing sickness markers and that without portion control or calorie or any other kind of counting. Google or YouTube Dr. McDougall
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Laura, I am currently writing a cook book on eating organic. I have also begun pricing the items for that particular meal. It is not expensive. During the last election in Oregon, monsatanos operation spread so many lies; promoting confusion. One such pile of…. was that organic is expensive. It is amazing what you can do with a little second effort. Ask questions, find a no spray farm(s) in your area and grow some veggies of your own. There is a lady in the neighborhood who grew 400 + tomato plants. Sold out again this year. Find several stores that sell organic and compare prices. Get a group of people together and buy bulk..Another trick is to learn about food combining. Maximizes your digestion and absorption. Avoid gulping your food down. You will end up consuming twice as much food. I tell folks to put the fork down between bites and chew. . .remember digestion starts in your mouth. To prove my point, watch people eat. . . chew 8 to 9 times and swallow. Then they chase it down with a drink. Various authors recommend approx. 26 times b/f swallowing. What you are eating at that time will determine how much you have to chew your food. Bottom line, really chew your food. It takes time. Two more points I want to share. . . Try not to eat and drink at the same time. Drink 40 minutes b/f you eat your meal. Assume you are drinking water with your meal. Bottom line :: your stomach’s/sml. intestine’s digestion process is diluted with water. The presence of water interfere with the interaction b/n enzymes and their target food type. Water molecules will interact with the enzyme(s) via chemical-electrical charges as well. This process stops and or interrupts the digestion process. Another point to think about is do not mix carbohydrates(sugars/starches) with proteins. Bad food combining collectively leads to chronic inflammation which leads to chronic disease(s).Give these a few weeks to kick in and you will feel the difference: more energy, better health and excess weight slips away. Fatigue felt after eating is a sign of bad food combining as is bloating and gas. Your body never lies. Couple of books to purchase::
‘How To Always Be Well.’ Dr. William Howard Hay MD book out of print so go find a good used book store and they will bird dog it for you.
‘Body Ecology Diet.’ Donna Gates
‘Eat 4 Your Blood Type’ Peter D’Adamo N.D.
You are on the right track. God Bless and keep following Vani ‘Victory’Hari!!!
Good article as always, but the one crucial missing element that is not addressed for people is how to be “proactive” even if one inevitably takes any GMO or conventional food when there is severe scarcity at the moment or if one is away at some rural part of the world? On and on, it has been experienced impossible to be GMO free especially when living a normal life and going to people’s houses as guests, eating out once in awhile or having to get fast food in dire emergency situations where GMOs are inevitable. It is harder to go GMO free compared to being Vegan.
The #1 question is what supplements, herbs or vitamins can one take to counteract any GMOs that enter the body inevitably as we do not live in a perfect world?
I swear to God one can keep hearing of these well-meaning articles or advice, but to get to the root of everything we have to consider people who are homeless, between jobs or do not have any money when all they have to eat is conventional GMO food just to survive rather than die from starvation. Again, I am in no way advocating GMOs as I never would, just trying to look at the reality and trying to be pragmatic.
Thanks for the time and only constructive, helpful comments will be tolerated from people sharing on how to be pragmatic and flexible rather than any comments from nastily negative, reactive, critical and/or dysfunctionally rigid people.
I have also thought the same thing John. People who are on a limited income (including myself) have to buy some conventional food just to get by so organic is not always an option. I take vitamins daily to help counteract all the negative stuff. Some of the must-haves are selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and the B complex (which are best taken in liquid form sublingually). You should also be on some kind of probiotic/digestive enzyme daily too.
There is a product that is scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress by 40%in 30 days, Oxidative stress is the result of all the chemicals in our food we eat and the air we breath. OS is linked to a myriad of diseases as evidenced on PUBMED.gov. Visit my website if you’d like more info http://www.mylifevantage.com/cschwartzkopf
Which product is it specifically? You link us to how to make money from selling products. I’d rather not search through all the junk and just get to the point.
I am a retired wheat grower and have never heard of any farmer ever spraying their wheat crop with Roundup preharvest or any other time. I don’t know how this ‘story’ was started. I doubt any US farmer has ever done this. It is neither necessary, nor economical. BTW, I am anti-GMO. Love the Food Babe!!!
I’ve always been a huge supporter and am 100% on board with everything, but I’d like to know the source of the picture itself and see others from the set.
I’ve spent alot of time with pet mice and it looks to me like they’re the same size, but the “gmo” mouse only appears larger because it’s curled up.
While I don’t doubt it’s bad and has negative effects, I just don’t like any false / exaggerating propaganda no matter what the cause or reason is. It doesn’t look good.
At the bottom of the picture, there is a link which says “Source:NY Times” – This pic is taken from NY Times, if you can’t access it, here is the link
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/opinion/sunday/kristof-warnings-from-a-flabby-mouse.html?_r=0
Hi Vani,
I saw how you mentioned bread and wheat. I want to tell you what bread we use and the ingredients and see what you think about it.
We Alpine Valley Organic Nine Grain and the ingredients are Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour, Organic Wheat Flour, Water, Organic Honey, Organic Red Wheat, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Corn, Organic Rye, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Millet, Organic Cracked Wheat, Organic Wheat Bran, Organic Cultured Wheat Flour, Organic Vinegar, Sea Salt, Yeast, Natural Enzymes.
Contains: Wheat
Is this bread considered good?
Vani,
I am so happy you are doing all these studies. They are so informative. I buy organic meat whenever I buy meat from the grocery store. Lately though, there are tons of organic products that are ‘store brand’. I know that the grocery manufacturer’s association have donated and been the front of many corporate donations against GMO labeling campaigns. Should I be worried about purchasing ‘store brand’ organic products? Thanks for all you do.
Meleah
Hoping to get a response to my comment. Should I be worried about purchasing ‘store brand’ organic meat and other items?
Thank you for reminding us all that because a product says it is not GMO that doesn’t mean it is something that you should be eating. It is analogous to products that have “ALL NATURAL ” on the packaging. It sort of makes you feel like it is better for you. I’ve really been noticing this sort of thing in the snack food aisle. The products are certified by the Non GMO Project, but no mention of whether pesticides or hexane processed oils are used. We have to be constantly vigilant about reading ingredients and buying only organic. Too often we are tempted to believe that the lower priced or on sale product is safe. Either pay for the higher priced organic label or don’t eat that food (snack food like chips and popcorn are unnecessary anyway).
Because of Food Babe I have taken a whole different approach to the way I eat, I am also trying to implore my husband to do the same so that my daughter will follow suit. It has been a rocky road to try and derail the bad habits that I unfortunately created and have allowed my family to maintain, it’s definitely an addiction!! On that note I have chosen to take the Paleo route and further educate myself on the benefits of that lifestyle. I have given up all grains, milk, and most dairy, and have gone organic. I was wondering what your thought was on this and also on the new trend (to me )of essential oils. I really want to get healthy and stop taking my mind and body for granted!! Thank you for all that you do to spread the truth about the dangers of processed foods and the companies who endorse and create them!!
So here is the deal on bread do what I do make your own its not Rocket Science yea my first few loaves could be used as bricks but when the mistakes ( the birds we’re happy and so were the squirrels) are found and you correct them its very easy. I now make my own tortillas, and Pita bread buy organic flour and go to town. Ezekiel bread kits are online and just make it.
I am still struggling a bit with the “organic” label since finding that there is actually quite a long list of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production per the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (section 205.601) here: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7:3.1.1.9.32&idno=7#se7.3.205_1601
I don’t know what a lot of these things are without googling them. Are all of these substances safe/natural? I’d love some insight!
I am at a loss of what to do about the carrageenan (sp?) problem. I have found that it is in my Tom’s natural toothpaste and also I just bought new skincare products that have mostly amazing ingredients and most of them are organic ingredients but have found that it is in them, too! So frustrating, I really love all these products so idk what I should do. As far as the toothpaste though, I have bought some tooth powder from Primal Pitpaste’s new line of toothcare but I feel nervous to not use any toothpaste that doesn’t have cavity prevention especially now that I officially don’t have dental insurance since I turned 26 and am no longer on my parent’s insurance. I was finally feeling good about all the natural products I am using but now I am back to terrified! 🙁
Just thought I would suggest “oil pulling” with coconut oil. It is an Ayurvedic treatment done for thousands of years. Google it…I am new to this but noticed a difference almost immediately. It helps with preventing caviites and whitens teeth naturally…no toxic ingredients…just pure cold pressed virgin olive oil. If it helps save your teeth, kill bacteria in your mouth and whiten your teeth..hey, I am all for that!
Great info here! I didn’t know about the differences between non-gmo and organic. The difference between the two rats is mind-blowing. Thanks for schooling me Vani.
Why would you make “growth-promoting steroids” sound like a bad thing?
Why on earth would I want to lose bodyweight (with the exceptio of the last twelve weeks before a contest)?
This sounds like a good idea. An ap to scan a barcode that would then display all the ingredients in a product. What do you think?
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/eb02e6c9e0fb48e0910fceb5a828356d/vilsack-smart-phones-could-tell-consumers-whats-food
Thanks! That answered a question I had wanted to ask! I recently bought some “organic” snacks. While I realize the Sunflower oil used isn’t the healthiest at least I am not eating GMO’s.
I preordered your book ,can I still get the Ultimate grocery guide? Thank you. Wilda
Yes, it’s still available for a limited time if you fill out this form here: http://thefoodbabeway.com
Thanks for your support!
I read that Omega 06 is not that good an ingredient ?
But I take a fish (salmon) supplement that contains all Omega numbers, as I am told it is best to keep all omegas balanced, optimum ally.
Better tha must taking one.
Which is true,….right ?
I like a lot of what I read from the Food Babe, but you should drop the erroneous information about MSG (a naturally occurring substance found in broccoli and mushrooms). It is widely used as an ingredient in Chinese cooking (just as we use salt or garlic), and it has been shown to have no adverse health effects. Your own tongue has taste receptors for it! (It is the 5th taste.) By labeling MSG as a bad thing, you call into doubt the rest of your work.
Bruce,
Many people are allergic to it. Reactions can include some or all of the following: headaches, flushing, sweating, facial numbness or tightness, heart palpitations, chest pain and nausea. I can get severe reactions and avoid it at all costs. Thus the reason it is required on food labeling. Better Chinese restaurants usually have prominent signs in their windows saying, NO MSG used in their restaurant.
If a company or restaurant is using quality ingredients and spices in their food prep, why do they need flavor additives/enhancers? Answer, they don’t.
Note, I was in the manufactured food industry for 30 years.
Dr. Blaylock is a renowned researcher and his newsletters give tremendous amounts of information about msg which is an excitotoxin. Bad for the brain!
(To Ben) Dr. Bronner’s is coming out with toothpaste! The deliveries have been delayed due to the dock stike in LA harbor, but the toothpaste IS coming! I can’t wait to try it 🙂
Food babe, do you have any data describing the endocrine disruptors you mention in the article. The endocrine system is complex involving several organs and hormones. I was wondering where the disruptions happen. Thanks.
It is great to think that everyone could eat nothing but organic, but organic farming cannot be done in sufficient quantities to feed the world. In fact, to feed even one tenth of the world!
Products can be labeled GMO even if something has been taken OUT of the seeds, not added. Like some apples that were just approved by the FDA…..one enzyme was turned off and now they will turn brown more slowly. So why would that be considered a bad thing, or even cause it to get that GMO label?
I read an article the other day that said you could grow 1/3 more food per acre using organic practices vs. non-organic practices (chemicals, pesticides etc.)
So based on your statement “organic farming cannot be done in sufficient quantities to feed the world.” I would say is wrong.
“Organic farming can’t feed the world” is a phrase made up by the pro-GMO community to make us believe that GMO’s increase crop productivity. Seeing people wasting so much food on a daily basis is what makes me believe NOTHING will be sustainable until we learn to eat left overs, distribute unwanted food, etc. I worked at a grocery store and the manager was fond of saying he’d rather throw it out than sell it for a dollar. Never mind helping the homeless shelter, it’s all about the money. Ever visited a food desert? I’m sure people without a car and without a store selling food besides Doritos and candy bars would love to have all the wasted food we, in general, throw out.
Hi Food Babe,
You ‘re Fantastic with all your new explorations! My Question is what if the Food companies Just make their labor workers label ” organic” in any food product.Do we have a proof for every product that it is organic? Is it possible for the public to test at anywhere and check if the product is organic or not?..How can we trust the companies by their fancy Labelling? ..
Thanks,
Nature Lover.
To label a product as organic, it must be certified by a 3rd party organic certification agency. It is a thorough process, and it is very regulated. Look for the words “Certified Organic by ____” (and you can have the assurance that it has been regulated, and is tested and rechecked ongoing. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5100383
Sorry, I have some degree of disagreement here. Simply put, I don’t trust the organization that puts out the “USDA Organic” label. Or in other words, when was the last time any branch of our government showed one ounce of integrity or transparency? That said, I buy organic, mostly whole foods (fruits and vegetables ), very, very little processed food, but if there is a question of GMOs in what I’m buying, I like the extra protection of a third party inspection. Ideally, a product will have both organic and Non GMO Project stamps.
One question, is the brand milk Organic Valley 100% GMO?, Is it one of the best milks you can buy as far as being organic?
Horizon has been boycotted for using conventional milk mixed with organic milk and calling it organic. Whether they still do that or not, I do not know. But once a company destroys my trust, it is gone forever. I never buy Horizon, just as I never buy Campbells, Swanson, or Kraft.
I would love to see a link to the study that this picture refers to. Having no doubts that organic vs. GMO is legitimate but having had mice as pets as a child, it looks like one of the mice is sitting “bunched up” while one of them is “stretched out”. This may have been done for emphasis so I’d like to see the data and the weights and other pictures so that I can do my own analysis of this particular photo.
I do thank you for all you do and refer bunches of people to your site!. Just started reading the book and will look forward to it.
Vani! THANK YOU. Purchased my first loaf of Ezekiel. Very good. The O.T. Book of Ezekiel is amazing, as is the entire Bible. Grateful for you, your contribution to our generation IS impacting me in a wondrous way. Sharing with all who will listen. Sad for those who won’t. I’M IN THE FOOD BABE ARMY, MORESO IN GOD’S the Creator of good food, spiritual and physical. I can only imagine what Jesus ate when He was on earth. GOOD STUFF I’M SURE!
Organic is good. I only smoke organic cigarettes. 🙂
I used to buy Ezekiel bread for my husband (I am GF) until I discovered SILVER HILLS BREAD. All of their breads are organic, sprouted and they are soy free
unlike some of the Ezekiel breads. Check out their website Silverhills.com. They are based in Canada but their bread is available at some WF stores and surprisingly at
Target. Go figure! You can also order from them directly. They also have GF sprouted bread which is delicious.
On another topic, toothpaste. I use NUTRIBIOTIC dental gel which has grapefruit seed extract, aloe vera & baking soda or EARTH PASTE.
There are millions of chemicals out there. It is hard to know and remember the good vs. the bad. For ease I try to eliminate use of unnatural products! My mantra is go back to basics and leave a simple life!!
Hi,
I’m interested in item #9, the mice study on EDC. That image/info quoted the NYTimes article. I go look there and come to a road block.
I couldn’t find a study that specifically tested EDC in mice? Surely, its some where, right?
FYI. I’m not knocking the article — I personally eat as MUCH organic as I can, but I’m very keen on real facts, not a writer from the NYT.
can someone reply a link to the study?
THANKS!
WISH YOU WOULD MAKE IT SO ALL OF YOUR POSTS I GET COULD BE PRINTED WITHOUT ALL THE REPLYS???
They allow caramel color in Wild Oats Organic Steak Sauce. Lea n Perrins does not. I called Wild Oats and told them I would not be buying their product and why. I told them I wanted to know if their Caramel color was 1, 2, 3, or 4 type. They’re getting back with me. Shouldn’t they know better?
After seeing you addressing sewage sludge (treated sewage residue) being used as fertilizer, I just had to post a comment.
I live in Ohio and recently, I had my septic tank pumped out (as a normal maintenance procedure). I live in the rural area. I asked the “honey dipper” what he did with the sewage when he leaves and he said,” I dump it on a farmer’s field. I said, “You’re allowed to dump raw sewage on farmer’s fields?” and he said, yes, that he is allowed under the law to dump once a day on a field. I couldn’t believe it.