GMO vs. Natural vs. Organic vs. Kosher vs. Gluten-Free

Genetically Modified Organisms: GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been manipulated in a laboratory. The U.S government considers them safe however other countries such as Japan, don’t. Some argue that GMOs can help feed hungry nations. Genetic engineering has more to do with breeding crops than a food’s healthfulness. The World Health Organization, American Medical Association and American Association for the Advancement of Science all consider GMOs safe. The FDA permitted the introduction of the first GMO animal for human consumption: salmon. However; opponents say the federal government hasn’t mandated GMOs to be proven as safe. Genetically modified organisms can present new allergens along with a higher usage of herbicides. Natural Foods: Nearly 60 percent of customers look for the word natural on packaging when shopping, according to a Consumer Reports survey. Out of these customers, 60 percent believe that natural foods are foods without artificial ingredients, pesticides, or GMOs. In regards to food, regulators define natural as lack of artificial ingredients, which includes preservatives. However, foods labeled natural aren’t guaranteed to be better for you. It doesn’t say how an animal was treated or what it was fed, which could contain antibiotics or GMO feed. Organic Foods: Americans scarfed down $39.1 billion worth of organic food in 2014 (up 11.3 percent from 2013). 50% of purchases made by millennials spend half of their earnings on organic eating. When produce is label as organic, that means that there wasn’t any conventional pesticides or synthetic or sewage sludge – based fertilizer utilized in the process of it growing. When it comes to packaged foods, it must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic ingredients which also cannot be processed using industrial solvents, irradiation, or genetic engineering. When it comes to meat, animals have to be fed organic feed, cannot receive antibiotics or hormones and must have natural living conditions, like the ability to graze. Over 237 studies where done from Stanford, comparing organic and conventional foods. Results showed that there isn’t really a difference in nutrition or health risks. Higher pesticide consumption leads to 10 cancer diagnoses per year, eating organic fruits and vegetables can prevent 20,000 cases of cancer. Gluten-Free: Gluten is a protein substance found in wheat, barley, and rye. Produce that tend to absorb chemicals are: Apples, Grapes, Nectarines, peaches, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, imported snap peas, and spinach