What Are Gmo’s and how are they making me fat?

Currently 60% of American citizens are overweight  and therefore, more likely to develop a chronic illness. Although, there are many exercise routines that may help you shed those unwanted pounds, it is first important to look at how you and many Americans got here in the first place. One key determinant to consider in all of this is the quality of our everyday food supply.

Did you know that, 85% of processed foods sold here contain GMO’s which are banned in 64 other countries. GMO stands for genetically modified organism and is it relates to our food, it means that it has been modified or often times added to. These added ingredients are also notorious for causing a slew of health problems and even cancers. These modifications are made not with the intention to make us sick but rather to preserve foods, offer longer shelf life, and or alter how appealing these foods look. Nonetheless, many of these chemicals have been linked to infertility, weight gain, accelerated aging, and cancer in various animal studies.

What can I do?

While the market is currently saturated with many of these modified products and sometimes even posing as “healthy options”, there are still ways to avoid these foods. Just about every grocery store and especially health specialty stores, offer clean and natural products many of which are free from harsh chemicals. The key here to knowing which products to avoid is knowing how to read and interpret food labels. That’s right, simply taking a look at the ingredients listed on the foods you are eating can make all the difference. Rule of thumb: if the ingredient list is flooded with many words you cannot pronounce, this is usually not a good sign. Ever look at a can of “plain tomato sauce ” to find that the ingredient list reads everything but plain. In these situations, the less ingredients listed the better. Try to stay away from these:

  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Trans Fat
  • Artificial flavor
  • MSG
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Gums
  • Preservatives

Common names for these include:

  • Monosodium Glutamate
  • Artificial Food Coloring
  • Sodium Nitrite
  • Guar Gum
  • High-Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Artificial Sweeteners
  • Carrageenan
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Yeast Extract

Consult with your doctor about the best dietary options for you. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about Long Term Care Insurance be sure to visit: LTC TREE for more information.