Topic: GMOs

Amid Genetically Modified Foods Controversy, One Grocery Store Announces It Will Label GMOs

Amid Genetically Modified Foods Controversy, One Grocery Store Announces It Will Label GMOs

Genetically modified foods are everywhere, especially in the United States. The potentially negative effects that may come from consuming these altered foods have raised concerns among many people regarding whether or not manufacturers should have to label GMOs. In light of this standoff between certain large food production corporations and those who want GMOs to be labeled, one grocery store has announced its intention on labeling them regardless. More »

6 Health-Related Issues To Watch This Election Night

6 Health-Related Issues To Watch This Election Night

With all the hoopla surrounding the presidential election this year, it’s easy to forget there are a lot of important state ballot issues that will get decided today, as well. The following health-related state measures could affect residents’ reproductive rights, access to marijuana, right to assisted suicide and awareness of GMOs (as well as influence future policy in other states). More »

Does Your Meal Contain GMOs? Consumers Want To Know

Does Your Meal Contain GMOs? Consumers Want To Know

If you’ve recently eaten corn, soy beans (or products containing them, like soy milk and tofu) zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, or conventionally-raised meat, worn anything made of cotton, or cooked with canola oil, you’ve probably pretty familiar with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). You just may not realize it, because, under currently food labeling laws, GMOs aren’t required to be disclosed. Anywhere. And consumers aren’t super-happy about that. But not because GMOs are unsafe or unhealthy–just because we’d actually like to know what’s in our food. More »

Processed Meat Substitutes May Be Unhealthier Than Actual Meat

Processed Meat Substitutes May Be Unhealthier Than Actual Meat

Because it’s Lent and many of us (religious or not) may have given up meat for the season (or at least on Fridays), we’ve been talking about meat substitutes (a.k.a. meat analogues, meat alternatives, or imitation meats) a lot around Blisstree these days. Now, those of you who are lifelong vegetarians or vegans may have more experience than we do with the whole idea of meat substitutes. Are they actually healthy? Does eating something that pretends to be meat but isn’t constitute cheating? Doesn’t the idea of fake meat just sound wrong? So I asked our Fearless Foodtrainer, nutritionist Lauren Slayton, to weigh in on the pros (if any) and cons of these mysterious mock meats. Here’s the skinny: More »

True or False: Artificial Sweeteners Are Harmful to Your Health

True or False: Artificial Sweeteners Are Harmful to Your Health

A reader named Christi sent me the following thought-provoking question about this recent Blisstree post: 10 Foods You Think Are Healthy and Nutritious But Aren’t:

I read your post about several foods that we commonly mistake for being healthy. I saw the image of the fat-free, sugar-free pudding and read the description. I understand that this food probably has little to no nutritional value, but I’m curious why you think sugar substitutes are unhealthy? I’ve always tried to stay away from sugar substitutes, and also do without sugar when possible. (I stopped putting sugar in my coffee a few years ago.) But I never really understood why it would be unhealthy to have sugar substitutes.

Great question, Christi. When I was studying for my R.D. exam many moons ago, I memorized a lot of information and random facts – much of which I’ve since forgotten. But one of the things I retained is the knowledge of an eating disorder known as pica. Those who suffer from pica eat non-food substances such as dirt, soap, or chalk; it’s quite serious. I’ve always likened eating fake foods such as sweeteners (saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose), with “no nutritional value” to this disorder. So if we don’t suffer from pica, what’s the appeal of food impersonators? More »

Genetically-Modified Alfalfa May Taint Organic Meat and Dairy

Genetically-Modified Alfalfa May Taint Organic Meat and Dairy

Think you’re always safe buying organic milk and meat? Think again. Just last week, the Department of Agriculture approved the unrestricted planting of genetically-modified alfalfa, despite protests from not only organic and public health advocates but also from more than 250,000 U.S. citizens. Since it’s a huge source of hay for cattle, most of us indirectly consume alfalfa if we have a diet that includes meat or dairy; and because it’s a “promiscuous” crop, its pollen can be carried by bees and spread around for up to five miles — making it nearly impossible to contain and keep separate from plain, regular old alfalfa, which almost guarantees contamination. GMO products, which often include pesticides, are not welcome (or legally allowed) in any part of the organic process. Needless to say, organic advocates are not taking the announcement lightly. More »