Is Our Food Supply Really Healthy?

Who can you trust these days when governmental agencies approves genetically-manipulated foods and chemical additives that are suspected to compromise our health? It is essential to know the source of the food you buy and if it is proven safe.

Organic farming methods include biodiversity, sustainability, natural plant nutrition, natural pest management, and agricultural integrity. Buying organic foods will eliminate most of the guess work, but be aware that terms such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural can appear on labels of foods that aren't truly organic. Multi-ingredient products can contain up to 30 percent non-organic ingredients and still be labeled organic. That means some of the ingredients were produced using conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Look for the USDA organic seal on raw, fresh products and processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. When you see this seal, you know the product is between 70 and 95 percent organic. Fruits and vegetables that are organic, typically have lower pesticide residues.

Most fruits and vegetables grown in this country are, at some stage, treated with insecticides or fungicides. Tests on produce in markets regularly find residues that exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits.

Remember the deadly outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 in September 2006? Pre-packaged salads often state that they have been rinsed with spring water, but it has been found that they often contain bacteria. To play it safe, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water.

Did you know most local fish or nearby ocean fish has documented levels of mercury? Farm fish does not contain this carcinogen. Salmon farm fish is often criticized for not being as healthy and strong, but it is not polluted. Deep ocean fish is healthy. You can purchase deep ocean fish that has been packaged on the ship - when it was caught, at many supermarkets.

Unfortunately, to boost milk output, many American dairy cows are regularly dosed with synthetic hormones. The majority of cattle are given hormones to spur them to grow extra muscle, producing leaner, and tender meat. If you want milk without hormones, look for brands that specifically state this on the label. Don't be surprised if your meat is also dosed with synthetic hormones. Meat without hormones will proudly be labeled as such.

Millions of Americans suffer a food-bo
e illness each year, according to the CDC. Most people don't realize their painful "stomach flu" is from something they ate, usually microbes on foods such as undercooked ground beef, mishandled dairy products, or produce tainted by animal waste. It is important to note that after a food-bo
e illness, patients may begin noticing food sensitivities. Often the immune system handles an acute infection, but the body doesn't necessarily rid itself completely of the infection. This is the start of hypersensitivity to certain foods. To help prevent the spread of microbes in food, irradiation is used. This procedure may cause cellular changes that decrease the nutritional value of food.

Even though fast food is high in fat, calories, chemical ingredients and is generally considered unhealthy, approximately one in four Americans eat it daily. The typical American eats several hamburgers and french fries a week. Fast food is so entrenched in our culture, that it now seems as American, and harmless, as apple pie. People get "hooked" not only because of convenience, but because of added chemicals that affect the taste.

Just about everyone likes soda. A 14-year study of 60,000 people in Singapore found that those who consume two or more sweetened soft drinks per week have an 87 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology. Consuming large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup is a one-way ticket to diabetes.

Food additives are almost in everything and the list is enormous: artificial sweeteners, nitrates, sulfites, hydrolyzed protein or MSG, many preservatives, and food coloring dyes.

For decades, the food industry has continually created new chemicals to preserve and enhance our food until just about every packaged food product now has food additives. Please be suspicious of a fruit that looks too colorful or meat that is too pink. Chemicals are used to mimic natural flavors, make them look more "natural" or "fresh," and increase shelf life. Some "foods" such as dairy creamers, sugar substitutes, and candies are made entirely from chemicals. Consumer beware!

While food additives may be harmless to some people, they may cause cancer for others. Fifteen to twenty years of consuming food additives can add up and create an unhealthy body. For most people, food additives cause an alteration of their energy level, and in time can cause mysterious symptoms and illness. Doctors still do not know what causes fibromyalgia, but it's safe to assume that our diet has something to do with it.

It has been confirmed by the EPA that our water supply is contaminated with 140 different substances. Pharmaceutical drugs have been found in every major city water supply in the country. Tap water contains chloride and fluoride to prevent bacterial infections. These chemical additives prevent one problem, but may cause cancer.

Let's not forget about genetically manipulated food. It is rare to find a tomato, corn or soy product that doesn't have an insect repellent gene in it. What does this mean for our children? Science doesn’t really know. Read the book, Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O’Brien and you’ll be doing yourself and your family a benefit. There is an epidemic of allergies, diabetes and autism presently affecting children. The link and timing of genetically manipulated foods to the current epidemic affecting children is incredibly feasible.

It is essential to know the source of the food your buy. Also if any food is unsafe.