Lets face it, we all want to be healthier. Sometimes all the labels are confusing. Organic, glueten free, No GMOS...What does it all mean?
Organic- the USDA defines it:
Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
Gluten Free:
Gluten is a protein complex found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Some people who eat gluten free also include oats. Many people are allergic to or have sensitivities toward wheat and therefore do not want it in anything they eat.
Gluten is a protein complex found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Some people who eat gluten free also include oats. Many people are allergic to or have sensitivities toward wheat and therefore do not want it in anything they eat.
Non GMO- The Non GMO project defines it as :GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that
have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or
other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from
different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional
crossbreeding.
Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights.
Buying non-GMO food tips and
tricks- From our friend Chris Pouy over at COW WOW cereal.
Tip #1: Always buy organic
When the organic craze first
started, it usually meant you had to go to a specialty store to find them. Now,
organic groceries can be found in just about every grocer across the country.
Certified organic products are not allowed to intentionally include GMO
ingredients. When buying products that are labeled “100% organic”, “organic” or
“made with organic ingredients”, you can rest assured the products are safe
from any GMO and have a Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.
Tip #2: Look for the Non-GMO
Project Seal
When a product carries a
Non-GMO Project Seal, the item has been independently verified to be in
observance with North America’s only third party standard for GMO prevention.
The Non-GMO Project Seal is a non-profit that is dedicated to giving consumers a
clearly marked label for verified non-GMO items.
Tip#3: Always avoid
ingredients that are at-risk
Sugar is one of the most
common items in food and drink to contain GMO. More likely than not, sugar in
products will contain a combination of both pure cane sugar (non-GMO) as well
as sugar beets (contains GMO). It is important to always look for pure cane
sugar in the ingredients. Other foods like soybeans,
canola oil, corn and zucchini are almost always going to be GMO foods unless
they have a label stating otherwise.
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