Natural Cures Not Medicine
Natural Cures Not Medicine

Healthy alternatives to medicine

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A list of Countries that Ban or Restrict GMOs

The truth:

Ban or Label GMO?


These countries have restrictions or have banned GM / GMO foods:


Italy: The four regions Tuscany, Molise, Lazio and Marche and around 25 provinces, cities and communes banned GE crops, including Rome, Milan, Turin, Brescia and Genoa. These are all democratically-taken decisions in local or regional councils and in the case of Tuscany, the result has been ratified by the national government - the decision means that regional governments have been given the authority under Italian law to overturn decisions taken at EU level.


Austria: Bans on three GE maize (Novartis, Monsanto and AgrEvo), the Federal Institute for Less-Favoured and Mountainous Areas is pressing for GM free legislation and published a study on GE-free zones, initiatives in the States of Vorarlberg and Salzburg to ban GE trials.

France: ban of PGS and AgrEvo HR rapeseed

Germany: Ban of Novartis Bt maize. The initiative "No GE on communal land" of BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) launched activities in several German communities to discuss and vote on the GE-free resolutions. Application are launched in: Bad Vilbel, Blauenstein, Lahr, Konstanz, Hannover, Hamburg. Application are accepted in: M¸nchen, Reutlingen, Freidrichsdorf, Blomberg, Seligenstadt, Niddatal, Maintal, Riedstadt, Adendorf, Schwebheim, Pinneberg, Schwabach, Langenhagen, Wyhe, Burgdorf, Neetze, District Traunstein. Several protestant regional church organisations: banned GE crops from their land: Hannover, Hessen und Nassau, Sachsen, Protestantic Church of Westfalen, Protestantic Church in Berlin-Brandenburg, Church Province of Sachsen.

Peru: http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/peru-bans-gmo.html

Luxembourg: Ban of Novartis Bt maize.

Portugal: Ban of Novartis Bt maize.

Greece: Ban of AgrEvo HR rapeseed, moratorium of GE crop trials.

Spain: The Basque Government went for a five year blanket moratorium for GMOs. The Basque Government claims full powers for agricultural policy and thus that they can provisionally ban GMOs if they so wish. The three provinces of Castilla-La Mancha and Baleares banned GE food, AndalucÌa declared a five year moratorium on GE crop trials and GE food.

UK: The Church of England has refused permission for GE crop trials on 60,000 hectares of its land, dozens of local authorities supply GE free school lunches, the House of Commons banned GE foods for its catering. The vote of the Welsh Assembly to keep Wales GE free was counteracted by the ministry of Agriculture approving a GE maize variety. The Island of Jersey banned GE crops.

Switzerland: Although a center of GE science and industry, only two trials with GE potatoes in 1991/92 have been performed until now.

Norway: Banned the import of several GE crops and products which contain antibiotic resistance genes.

Australia: The State of Tasmania banned GE rapeseed as weed, Western Australia has banned commercial GE planting. Australian States are given the right to declare themselves GE free. Some communities (e.g. Bondi/Sydney, West Wimmera Shire) declared themselves GE free.

New Zealand: Some local bodies in Auckland and Wellington have declared themselves GM free. Trials with GE salmon have been blocked by the government.

Thailand: Banned imports of 40 GE crops for commercial planting, but not for research purposes.

Philippines: The community of Valencia called for a five-year moratoria on GE food and GE crop trials and commercialization. The Philippine president announced a moratorium on GE crop research.

Saudi Arabia: Banned food that are made from GMOs and declared not to import GE wheat.


Algeria: Banned the import, distribution, commercialisation and utilization of GE plants except for research purposes.

Brazil: Planting GE seeds is prohibited by federal law in Brazil for the time being, the States of Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso do Sul have declared their intentions to remain GM-free, 18 States called upon the Central government to block commercial GE crop planting.

Paraguay: The Ministry of Agriculture plans to ban GE crops from commercial planting.

USA: Various bills calling for moratoria on GE food (Vermont), bans of GE wheat (North Dakota, Montana) have been filed within the last year. Several municipalities declared moratoria on GE food (Burlington/Vermont), bans of GE crops (City of Boulder/Colorado), or urged the federal government to ban GE food (City and County of San Francisco/California). Many attempts to adopt such bills or resolutions failed in the past.

  • GMO-free Regions by Country

So, Who is next? And my next question... Do you think I'm crazy still?

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8 Plants That Remove Airborne Contaminants

Some common indoor plants have shown to be particularly adapted to reducing airborne contaminants, such as: Household products, dry cleaned clothing, paints and thinners, furniture cleaning supplies, gasoline, building materials and even tobacco smoke.

Plants that remove contaminants(toxins):

Sources: NASA, University of Georgia, Wolverton Environmental Services, University of Technology, Sydney, Photos: Costa Farms.

  1. English Ivy: - Benzene, toluene, octane, alpha-pinene and trichloro-ethylene, formaldehyde
  2. Mother-in-law's Tongue - Alcohol, acetone, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene
  3. Weeping Fig - Formaldehyde, ammonia, n-hexane, benzene
  4. Peace Lily - Acetone - ammonia, benzene, ethyl acetate, formaldehyde, methyl alcohol, trichloroethylene, xylene, n-hexane, toluene
  5. Devils Ivy - Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene
  6. Flamingo Flower - Ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, benzene
  7. Janet Craig - Trichlorethylene, formaldehyde, benzene
  8. Asparagus Fern - Benzene - toluene, octane, alpha-pinene and trichloroethylene 


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Genetic Roulette FULL Documentary

Genetic Roulette FULL Documentary:


A GMO warning: Genetic Roulette is a powerful film explaining the health dangers of genetically modified foods. "It is a compelling indictment of the GM food experiment that has been foisted on the American public without consumer knowledge or consent." - non-gmoreport.com

We encourage you to bookmark this and save it. This is the full and free version of the film.
You can watch this in fullscreen by hitting the button on the bottom right of the video. 

Natural Cures Not Medicine
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Top 10 Herbs For Weightloss




Herbs can be beneficial to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. They are used as appetite suppressants, to increase metabolism and have also been known to reduce fat tissue.  

Ginseng- Known for its energy boosting properties, it can actually help increase metabolism and helps combat fatigue.
Green Tea- Helps with digestion, boosts metabolism and helps reduce fat.
Cinnamon- Has the ability to balance blood sugar levels. It can also keep cholesterol in check. 
Cayenne Pepper- Decreases calorie intake, helps the body to rid fat naturally.
Ginger- Ginger helps with weight loss by cleansing the digestive system. Removing waste and toxins from the digestive tract will help prevent further weight gain.
Dandelion- Packed full of fiber, beta carotene, vitamin K and many more minerals. They are liver cleansing, reduce blood sugar and cholesterol. They slow digestion and can make you feel full for longer.
Black Pepper- Blocks the formation of fat cells. When combined with cayenne pepper can burn calories equivalent to taking a long walk.
Turmeric- One of the superfoods, it has been shown to stop the production of fat cells.
Cumin- Great for digestion. Has energizing properties and can help improve type 2 diabetes.
Cardamom- Can help burn fat and boost metabolism.

If you would like to buy any of these herbs, here are our recommended picks from Amazon:

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10 Herbs and Spices For Smoothies + Health Benefits of Each



Here are 10 herbs and spices that you should be adding to smoothies for maximum health.
Thanks to Dave Sommers and LiveLoveFruit.com for this image.

We have recently affiliated with Amazon.com because of requests from you asking us "where can buy some of these items safely?." We did our best to find recommended organic products related to each one of these list herbs and spices below. 
Note* The buy links may only be visible on a desktop computer.

1.)*Rosemary - is a great cancer fighter and antioxidant -
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/top-cancer-fighting-foods.html


2.)*Cayenne Pepper - 
Rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines.
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/medicinal-uses-and-health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html
- Boosts circulation and increases heart action.
- Enhances cardiovascular performance.
- Helps with stiff arthritic joints.
- Helps with lower back pain.
- A natural way to treat fibromyalgia.
- Good for arthritis prevention and symptoms.
- Helps with nerve pain from shingles and sciatica.
- Strengthens digestion.
- Helps with psoriasis. 

3.)*Turmeric - 
The health benefits of turmeric include:
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/03/health-benefits-of-turmeric.html
Helps prevent gas, Helps prevent cancer, Natural Antibiotic, Aids in weight management, Natural antiseptic, Reduces the side effects of chemo, Natural analgesic, Improves skin conditions, Speeds up wound healing, Anti-arthritic, Lowers cholesterol, Improves asthma, Heals stomach ulcers, Helps coughs and is a good Blood Purifier.


4.)*Mint - 
Is a powerful healer:
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/mint-and-its-amazing-healing-powers.html
Digestive:  Indigestion, cramps, and morning sickness are all treatable with fresh mint juice.  It can also be used to treat irritable bowl syndrome.  Mint is also effective at treating diarrhea when the oils from the plant are used.
Skin:  Mint oil can be applied to pimples, skin rashes, sunburn, and bug bites.  The oils from mint leaves can also relieve hemorrhoid pain.
Respiratory:  Fresh mint clears out the sinuses and even helps with asthma and bronchitis.  Mint is an ingredient in many cough drops and cough medicines because it helps relieve a soar throat.
Women's Health:  Mint extract can be taken prior to and leading up to menstruation to lessen painful cramps.
Joints:  Mint oil can be applied topically to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
Mint oil is an effective antiseptic!

5.)*Cilantro - 
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/03/how-cilantro-heals-body.html
Prevents urinary tract infections, Protects against salmonella, Fights nausea, Rich in phytonutrients, iron, and magnesium and Good source of fiber. It's also a great Anti inflammatory, Lowers blood sugar, Reduces menstrual cramping and hormonal mood swings. Helps remove heavy metals from the body and Lowers cholesterol.

6.)*Cinnamon -
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
Cinnamon has been known to beat acne when applied as a mask with some raw honey. Cinnamon and honey are a huge healing duo.  Thought to be a brain simulating spice, many claim that eating cinnamon or candy containing cinnamon before and during an exam will help to boost brain function and memory while also reducing nervous tension.  Cinnamon is believed to help prevent heart disease by aiding lowering bad LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.  Cinnamon may help to naturally relieve migraine headaches as well.  Women can benefit from cinnamon, which helps to treat discomfort associated with menstruation.  If you have diabetes or need to lose excess weight, cinnamon may be a helpful natural remedy.  It has been shown to naturally balance blood sugar levels while stimulating increased insulin production.  Cinnamon is believed to also battle various types of cancer cells in the body.  Cinnamon can be added to food as a natural preservative due to it's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.  In fact, cinnamon is believed to be able to kill e-coli bacteria in unprocessed fruit juices as well.  Cinnamon has been used by the Chinese for centuries for treating multiple illnesses and to increase energy and vitality, and is considered as nothing short of a wonder spice! 
Skin: Cinnamon can be taken internally and or applied topically to the skin, often combined with raw honey, to make an effective and natural acne fighting mask.
Natural Preservative: When added to your meals, cinnamon helps prevent bacterial growth and prolongs the life of your leftovers.
Feminine: Cinnamon has been shown to reduce the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
Mind: Easing nervous tension and reducing memory loss are added benefits, boosting brain activity while tasting amazing!
Nutrition: Packed with manganese, fiber, calcium and iron.
Cinnamon is also a great Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antiparasitic , Antibacterial:
7.)*Ginger -
A few ways ginger impacts your health (video)

10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

1. In Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Ginger is a powerful weapon in the treatment. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
2. Colon Cancer Prevention: A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
3. Morning Sickness: A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
4. Motion Sickness Remedy: Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
5. Reduces Pain and Inflammation: One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammato ry properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
6. Heartburn Relief: Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
7. Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment: Ginger has long been used as a naturaltreatmen t for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in thecase of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
8. Migraine Relief Research: has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
9. Menstrual Cramp Relief: In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
10. Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy: A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).


8.)*Cloves:


Most spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, but cloves are the richest source of them all. The numerous   health benefits of cloves have been known for centuries. Cloves have antiseptic and germicidal properties that help fight infections, relieve digestive problems and arthritis pain. Cloves can also help with - High cholesterol - Cough and Cold - Muscle Spasms - Toothaches - Indigestion - Labor pain - Infections - Diarrhea - Nausea - Bloating - Ulcers - Sores or even Colic. Read more at http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/the-health-benefits-of-cloves.html#OKkx5yA8X2cuBsLf.99 

9.)*Vanilla -
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/03/5-ways-vanilla-heals.html
Regulates menstruation:  Adding vanilla extract to your diet could help if you have irregular menstruation cycles.
Reduces stress and anxiety:  Adding vanilla extract to a glass of water or milk can help calm you and reduce stress.  Since stress causes other health problems, reducing stress is getting at the cause.  Vanilla has even been used as a treatment for depression.
Helps with nausea:  One of the more popular applications for vanilla is as a natural stomach settler.  Again, put a few drops of vanilla extract in a glass of water and slowly drink it down when your stomach is upset.  It is also believed that vanilla extract can be used to treat fevers.
Helps with losing weight:  Some studies point to even just smelling vanilla extract as possibly helpful with losing excess weight, though nutrition is the foundation to weight loss.



10.)*Nutmeg -
Aides with sleep,  adds flavor and immune boosting effects to food and smoothies. Add Nutmeg, water and honey into a paste and use to clear your skin. Helps with digestion, anti-bacterial, protects teeth and gums (nutmeg oil),  Combined with cinnamon, it makes a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial paste. Nutmeg helps keep the brain sharp. It contains a natural compound (myristicin) which is known to protect your brain against diseases such as Alzheimers. The essential oil of nutmeg helps relieve muscular and joint pain. *Apply  to area of swelling and discomfort. In holistic medicine, nutmeg is often prescribed to improve blood circulation and treat kidney infection. Traditional healers believe it also strengthens the liver.
A note of caution:  All you need is a tiny dusting of it to get the taste and health benefits.  Overuse of nutmeg is known to cause palpitations, sweating, hallucination and other discomforts, so do use this wonder spice in moderation.
.


Related past posts: 
Healing Herbs and Spices:
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/healing-herbs-and-spices.html


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Interview With Monsanto

Monsanto's CEO Presents at Sanford Bernstein 29th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference (Transcript)

We have taken this small segment out of the transcript that Monsanto CEO recently had with Jeremy Redenius. We feel this is very important as it is a glimpse into the mind of the man behind Monsanto and their plans for the next few years.

May 29 2013, Hugh Grant - Chairman, President and CEO of Monsanto:

"Thank you, Jeremy. Thank you. Good morning. I’m really grateful to the Sanford Bernstein team for the invitation to come back this year. It’s a conference I look forward to and I look forward to because a focuses on strategic decisions and how those are made, and I’m going to spend a bit of time today looking our strategy and looking forward. So Monsanto is in growth mode. We see significant growth in the years ahead. We are a technology company. We are technology play and we apply a range of technologies on a range of platforms to increase yield in agriculture that’s kind of what we do everyday. Today, particularly in the last five years we are operating on more platforms, so more crops on more global markets than ever before. And we are in the midst of strong year, where we confirm that momentum this morning, and we see as we looking the end of this year, we see the opportunity for another year of 20% year-on-year growth. And even at this early point, as we wrap up the third quarter or come up at the end of third quarter, as we look into the coming year, we see the opportunity for good mid-teens growth next year as well. So we are optimistic about the growth in this segment. So today I’m going to take a little bit time and look at layers of growth and how they play out across our key crops and increasingly across our key geographies. So I will be looking forward that’s my intention and I’m as we always there is non-GAAP reconciliation in our, at the end of this presentation and also in our press release that came out this morning. So let me begin, what this, yeah, just move on the slide, yeah. Thank you. Let me begin with a snapshot of this year. We are now in the last days of Q3, so third quarter is getting close throughout up, this morning we increased guidance again to $4.50 to $4.55. So we are on track for another year of 20% year-on-year growth and the sources of that growth, if you look at this year, there is two or three key sources of growth in cotton, which is our lead platform. We see another year of record volume and we will project mid-teens sales growth in our cotton platform this year and we also saw a nice contribution in our crop protection businesses particularly in Roundup and that’s the platform is really solidifying compared to few years ago. So good growth and Roundup. If you look at the quarters and there is going to be bit of shift this year, I would expect, our third quarter will be a little bit smaller, our fourth quarter will be a little bit bigger. But the bottom line if you look at the year in its totality even certain year in the Roundup for the closing this third quarter and it’s going to be phenomenal year. And in 2014 we see the continuation of growth despite closing this year on bigger numbers. So we see the layers have been build this year playing through ’14 and through ’15, I think, that’s a good set out for the conversation today." - 

Read the full mind blowing transcript. (sorry for the investment ads on their page) - http://seekingalpha.com/article/1468371-monsanto-s-ceo-presents-at-sanford-bernstein-29th-annual-strategic-decisions-conference-transcript?part=single


So Monsanto thinks it's in growth mode. They say they are having a great year. Their leading product is GMO cotton and best selling product is Roundup. So there you have it. Read the full transcript to see their full strategy plans for this year to 2015. Keep your friends close....

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Uses For Tea Tree Oil

Natural Cures Not Medicine

Just some of the many uses for Tea Tree Oil are listed below:

Health benefits of tea tree oil: (Natural cures with tea tree oil)
Acne, Athlete's food, Body odor, Boils, Blisters, Burns, Fungus on nails, Dandruff, Dry Skin, Hair care, Head lice, Humidifier, Insect bites, Earache and even helps keep away fleas.

If you are looking for dosage and appropriate usage for the oil we would suggest researching the particular topic you need help understanding further. Most of the time it's simply applying topically a reasonable amount on the tea tree oil on the skin.

Natural Cures Not Medicine

Thanks again to rawforbeauty.com for the image.


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Former Pro-GMO Scientist Speaks On Dangers of Genetically Engineered Food

Former Pro-GMO Scientist Speaks Out on the Real Dangers of Genetically Engineered Food:


By Dr. Mercola
Who better to speak the truth about the risks posed by genetically modified (GM) foods than Thierry Vrain, a former research scientist for Agriculture Canada? It was Vrain’s job to address public groups and reassure them that GM crops and food were safe, a task he did with considerable knowledge and passion.
Thanks for making this picture gmo-awareness.com

But Vrain, who once touted GM crops as a technological advancement indicative of sound science and progress, has since started to acknowledge the steady flow of research coming from prestigious labs and published in high-impact journals - research showing that there is significant reason for concern about GM crops – and he has now changed his position.

Former Pro-GMO Scientist Cites GM Food Safety Concerns

Vrain cites the concerning fact that it is studies done by Monsanto and other biotech companies that claim GM crops have no impact on the environment and are safe to eat. But federal departments in charge of food safety in the US and Canada have not conducted tests to affirm this alleged “safety.”
Vrain writes:1
“There are no long-term feeding studies performed in these countries [US and Canada] to demonstrate the claims that engineered corn and soya are safe. All we have are scientific studies out of Europe and Russia, showing that rats fed engineered food die prematurely.
These studies show that proteins produced by engineered plants are different than what they should be. Inserting a gene in a genome using this technology can and does result in damaged proteins. The scientific literature is full of studies showing that engineered corn and soya contain toxic or allergenic proteins.
… I refute the claims of the biotechnology companies that their engineered crops yield more, that they require less pesticide applications, that they have no impact on the environment and of course that they are safe to eat.”

“The Whole Paradigm of Genetic Engineering Technology is Based on a Misunderstanding”

This misunderstanding is the “one gene, one protein” hypothesis from 70 years ago, which stated that each gene codes for a single protein. However, the Human Genome project completed in 2002 failed dramatically to identify one gene for every one protein in the human body, forcing researchers to look to epigenetic factors -- namely, "factors beyond the control of the gene" – to explain how organisms are formed, and how they work.
According to Vrain:
“Genetic engineering is 40 years old. It is based on the naive understanding of the genome based on the One Gene – one protein hypothesis of 70 years ago, that each gene codes for a single protein. The Human Genome project completed in 2002 showed that this hypothesis is wrong.
The whole paradigm of the genetic engineering technology is based on a misunderstanding. Every scientist now learns that any gene can give more than one protein and that inserting a gene anywhere in a plant eventually creates rogue proteins. Some of these proteins are obviously allergenic or toxic.”
In other words, genetic engineering is based on an extremely oversimplified model that suggests that by taking out or adding one or several genes, you can create a particular effect or result. But this premise, which GMO expert Dr. Philip Bereano calls “the Lego model,” is not correct. You cannot simply take out a yellow piece and put in a green piece and call the structure identical because there are complex interactions that are still going to take place and be altered, even if the initial structure still stands.

Serious Problems May Arise From Horizontal Gene Transfer

GE plants and animals are created using horizontal gene transfer (also called horizontal inheritance), as contrasted with vertical gene transfer, which is the mechanism in natural reproduction. Vertical gene transfer, or vertical inheritance, is the transmission of genes from the parent generation to offspring via sexual or asexual reproduction, i.e., breeding a male and female from one species.
By contrast, horizontal gene transfer involves injecting a gene from one species into a completely different species, which yields unexpected and often unpredictable results. Proponents of GM crops assume they can apply the principles of vertical inheritance to horizontal inheritance, but according to Dr. David Suzuki, an award-winning geneticist, this assumption is flawed in just about every possible way and is “just lousy science.”
Genes don’t function in a vacuum — they act in the context of the entire genome. Whole sets of genes are turned on and off in order to arrive at a particular organism, and the entire orchestration is an activated genome. It’s a dangerous mistake to assume a gene’s traits are expressed properly, regardless of where they’re inserted. The safety of GM food is based only on a hypothesis, and this hypothesis is already being proven wrong.

Leading Scientists Disprove GMO Safety

Vrain cites the compelling report "GMO Myths and Truths"2 as just one of many scientific examples disputing the claims of the biotech industry that GM crops yield better and more nutritious food, save on the use of pesticides, have no environmental impact whatsoever and are perfectly safe to eat. The authors took a science-based approach to evaluating the available research, arriving at the conclusion that most of the scientific evidence regarding safety and increased yield potential do not at all support the claims. In fact, the evidence demonstrates the claims for genetically engineered foods are not just wildly overblown – they simply aren't true.
The authors of this critical report include Michael Antoniou, PhD, who heads the Gene Expression and Therapy Group at King's College at London School of Medicine in the UK. He's a 28-year veteran of genetic engineering technology who has himself invented a number of gene expression biotechnologies; and John Fagan, PhD, a leading authority on food sustainability, biosafety, and GE testing. If you want to get a comprehensive understanding of genetically engineered foods, I strongly recommend reading this report.
Not only are GM foods less nutritious than non-GM foods, they pose distinct health risks, are inadequately regulated, harm the environment and farmers, and are a poor solution to world hunger. Worse still, these questionable GM crops are now polluting non-GM crops, leading to contamination that cannot ever be “recalled” the way you can take a bad drug off the market … once traditional foods are contaminated with GM genes, there is no going back! Vrain expanded:3
“Genetic pollution is so prevalent in North and South America where GM crops are grown that the fields of conventional and organic grower are regularly contaminated with engineered pollen and losing certification. The canola and flax export market from Canada to Europe (a few hundreds of millions of dollars) were recently lost because of genetic pollution.”

American Academy of Environmental Medicine Called for Moratorium on GM Foods FOUR Years Ago

In 2009, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine called for a moratorium on GM foods, and said that long-term independent studies must be conducted, stating:
“Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food, including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. …There is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects. There is causation…"
Despite this sound warning, GM foods continue to be added to the US food supply with no warning to the Americans buying and eating this food. Genetic manipulation of crops, and more recently food animals, is a dangerous game that has repeatedly revealed that assumptions about how genetic alterations work and the effects they have on animals and humans who consume such foods are deeply flawed and incomplete. Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant claims genetically engineered crops are “the most-tested food product that the world has ever seen.” What he doesn’t tell you is that:
  1. Industry-funded research predictably affects the outcome of the trial. This has been verified by dozens of scientific reviews comparing funding with the findings of the study. When industry funds the research, it’s virtually guaranteed to be positive. Therefore, independent studies must be done to replicate and thus verify results.
  2. The longest industry-funded animal feeding study was 90 days, which recent research has confirmed is FAR too short. In the world’s first independently funded lifetime feeding study, massive health problems set in during and after the 13th month, including organ damage and cancer.
  3. Companies like Monsanto and Syngenta rarely if ever allow independent researchers access to their patented seeds, citing the legal protection these seeds have under patent laws. Hence independent research is extremely difficult to conduct.
  4. There is no safety monitoring. Meaning, once the GM item in question has been approved, not a single country on earth is actively monitoring and tracking reports of potential health effects.

It Might Take More Than One Bite to Kill You …

“One argument I hear repeatedly is that nobody has been sick or died after a meal (or a trillion meals since 1996) of GM food,” Vrain said. “Nobody gets ill from smoking a pack of cigarettes either. But it sure adds up, and we did not know that in the 1950s before we started our wave of epidemics of cancer. Except this time it is not about a bit of smoke, it’s the whole food system that is of concern.  The corporate interest must be subordinated to the public interest, and the policy of substantial equivalence must be scrapped as it is clearly untrue.”
Remember, Vrain used to give talks about the benefits of GM foods, but he simply couldn’t ignore the research any longer … and why, then, should you?  All in all, if GM foods have something wrong with them that potentially could cause widespread illness or environmental devastation, Monsanto would rather NOT have you find out about it. Not through independent research, nor through a simple little label that would allow you to opt out of the experiment, should you choose not to take them on their word. As Vrain continued:
“The Bt corn and soya plants that are now everywhere in our environment are registered as insecticides. But are these insecticidal plants regulated and have their proteins been tested for safety? Not by the federal departments in charge of food safety, not in Canada and not in the U.S.
… We should all take these studies seriously and demand that government agencies replicate them rather than rely on studies paid for by the biotech companies … Individuals should be encouraged to make their decisions on food safety based on scientific evidence and personal choice, not on emotion or the personal opinions of others.”
At present, the only way to avoid GM foods is to ditch processed foods from your grocery list, and revert back to whole foods grown according to organic standards.

Keep Fighting for Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods

While California Prop. 37 failed to pass last November, by a very narrow margin, the fight for GMO labeling is far from over. The field-of-play has now moved to the state of Washington, where the people's initiative 522, "The People's Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act," will require food sold in retail outlets to be labeled if it contains genetically engineered ingredients. As stated on LabelitWA.org:
"Calorie and nutritional information were not always required on food labels. But since 1990 it has been required and most consumers use this information every day. Country-of-origin labeling wasn't required until 2002. The trans fat content of foods didn't have to be labeled until 2006. Now, all of these labeling requirements are accepted as important for consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also says we must know with labeling if our orange juice is from fresh oranges or frozen concentrate.
Doesn't it make sense that genetically engineered foods containing experimental viral, bacterial, insect, plant or animal genes should be labeled, too? Genetically engineered foods do not have to be tested for safety before entering the market. No long-term human feeding studies have been done. The research we have is raising serious questions about the impact to human health and the environment.
I-522 provides the transparency people deserve. I-522 will not raise costs to consumers or food producers. It simply would add more information to food labels, which manufacturers change routinely anyway, all the time. I-522 does not impose any significant cost on our state. It does not require the state to conduct label surveillance, or to initiate or pursue enforcement. The state may choose to do so, as a policy choice, but I-522 was written to avoid raising costs to the state or consumers."
Remember, as with CA Prop. 37, they need support of people like YOU to succeed. Prop. 37 failed with a very narrow margin simply because we didn't have the funds to counter the massive ad campaigns created by the No on 37 camp, led by Monsanto and other major food companies. Let's not allow Monsanto and its allies to confuse and mislead the people of Washington and Vermont as they did in California. So please, I urge you to get involved and help in any way you can, regardless of what state you live in.
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The Monsanto-Free Seed Company List

Monsanto Free Seed

Some background that’s important to understand when using this list-

The Safe Seed Pledge

“Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms poses great biological risks, as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities.”

History of the Safe Seed Pledge

The Safe Seed Pledge was created in 1999 when High Mowing Organic Seeds guided a coalition of 9 other seed companies in drafting a statement about the signers’ stance on genetic engineering. Over 70 companies have signed the pledge, ranging from large seed companies to family-owned businesses such as ours.
In signing the Safe Seed Pledge we affirm our commitment to non-GMO (genetically modified organism) seed.  We feel that the regulatory framework for the introduction of genetically modified crop varieties is flawed, and that GMO seeds themselves present a threat to plants’ genetic diversity through their ability to pollinate non-GMO plants.

But then Monsanto comes along….

It’s not terribly easy to avoid them, which is why we’ve compiled the list below
In 2005, Monsanto purchased Semenis which was (and is) the world’s largest seed company and now they own thousands of conventional seed companies in addition to their GMO seed business.  Monsanto now owns 40% of the conventional seed market in the US and 20% of the worldwide market, including organics and heirlooms.  It’s not terribly easy to avoid them, which is why we’ve compiled the list below list with the help of readers and some experts from the field, both to help you navigate through things as well as encouragement for companies to take part in the boycott so that they may also qualify to have their names included.
Use this link below to access the full article and list from Occupy Monsanto:

The Monsanto-Free Seed Company List

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