Welcome, I'm SO VERY GLAD you've come :)
This is probably one of the most important blogs you'll come across, purely because you'll only get the truth here. If you've ever wanted to know the truth about what is in our foods and products, the truth about our health, the best way to live each and every day to the fullest, and how to live in peace and harmony with our Earth WITHOUT compromising on the things you love... you've come to the right place! While I'm learning the art of website building, I'll be writing post after post on here without catagorising it, so it may be a bit of a mess but bare with me - the wait for the main site will be worth it! There will be a heck of a lot of info going up here in the coming months, with hopefully an online shop to follow next year. Stay tuned my Apples, a change is coming xxx

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Genetically Modified Organisms (2)

GMO'S 102

Image from Healthy Alter Ego


The biggest arguement I'm reading at the moment in regards to pro-GMO, is that they are solving the world's food shortage crisis. Without the use of this technology, how on earth are we to feed the ever expanding population? And, to a certain extent, it's a valid question.
Let's think about it.
If we want things to stay the way they are at the moment, where big corporations control most of the money and nearly all the food chain, then yes... mass produced chemically controlled staple cereal crops need to be produced much more efficiently and quickly than they are now. If we want to be slowly sedated, poisoned, and controlled by a small group of exceedingly rich people, then yes, your GMO's are the answer.
And you can stop accusing me of over-reacting: eating a piece of corn injected with Roundup is poison, drinking water with fluoride is sedating, and making people ill from additives and over processed foods causing them to be continually sick and controlled by medications... is control.

Let me spell it out for you: There is no food shortage. There is, however, a massive greed problem. If we only took what we needed, there would be plenty for everyone.

So, now that you've read the basics from GMO'S 101 ... it's time to get a little deeper.
Worldwide, there are A LOT of different crops using GMO technology. Tomatoes, Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, Rice, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini, Papaya, Canola, Cotton, Sugarcane, Sugarbeet, Plums, Squash (pumpkin)... plus many more.
Let's learn what they grow right here in Australia.
At the moment, us Aussies grow GM Canola and GM Cotton, and at the moment we are in the process of GM Wheat trials... but that deserves its own article...

You're probably wondering why GM cotton is such a bad thing, after all... we don't consume it! True, but what about the seeds? Let's take a step back and look at the big picture here. First of all, just because you don't eat cotton, doesn't mean the seed isn't produced. Cotton Seed Oil is used widely in cooking, and the seeds are also used in animal feed. Second, a GM crop of cotton does not mean it is not sprayed with any other chemicals (although, you would think that something as extreme as injecting a chemical into a seed to "protect" it would mean something...). Organophosphates are still sprayed on GM cotton crops in the later part of the growing season "because of the reduction in efficacy of Ingard plants" (Ingard being the patent name for the GM cotton).

Allow me to interrupt this post to bring you up-to-date information regarding Organophosphates (of which I will be blogging about EXTENSIVELY very soon). They are the basis of many pesticides, herbicides, and nerve gases. They irreversibly inactivate an enzyme in the body which is responsible for nerve function, and this has been shown to occur in insects, humans, and other animals. Even at very low levels, they can have an adverse effect on the neuro development of the body; especially in regards to unborn babies and children. It can be absorbed by the lungs, skin, or consuming as food. It is used extensively in agriculture. The USEPA lists it as a possible human carcinogen (stopping short of labelling it as such, which would mean it would have to be removed from use...).

Where was I??

Oh yeah... :)

You have to look at what is injected in the genome of the seed in order to predict what impact it will have on the body.
In GM cotton, the Bt toxin, and Roundup-Ready technology are inserted (according to my research). The Bt toxin is a bacteria designed to kill its host. It is a very effective pesticide.
In GM canola, Roundup-Ready (Monsanto corporation) technology, and InVigor (Bayer CropSciences) technology is used. They're both herbicides. Glyphosphate and glufosinate are very effective chemicals. And very potent. Stay tuned for posts relating to these technologies. I was going to put it in this article but for one, there is too much info to put in on post, and it's bloody hard to understand! So once I've deciphered it all, you'll be the next to know!

The bacteria that is injected into not only Cotton but other genetically modified crops too (especially corn), is an agressive pathogen whos specific job is to cause disease in its host. Yep, it might kill off the insects it is designed to kill during the growing process... but we're involved in that too. Insects are already showing a resistance to the GM technology - so even though the chemical is inserted into the seed, the bugs aren't dying. And that's after only a few seasons of growing it.

So, GM crops are injected with chemicals to resist weeds, bugs, and more chemicals. More chemicals need to be sprayed anyway to combat the unpredictability of the weeds and bugs that become resistant. Because these chemicals are within the food, we inevitably consume it. These grains are also fed to livestock. Here are links to studies I've found that show some of the effects of these chemicals on lab rats, animals, and humans in testing:

  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22504123 - proves that glyphosphate (use in Roundup-Ready GM technology) is the main environmental factor in human neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease and Motor Neuron Diseases.
  • http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/roundup-herbicide-toxic-fish-parts-billion-range - an article with many study links that shows Glyphosphate (found in Roundup and other herbicides) is extremely toxic in the parts per billion range; think of one drop of water in an entire swimming pool... a very small amount of this chemical. In this tiny quantity, Glyphosphate is still linked to genotoxic effects on animals and humans. Genotoxic means the chemical or other agent damages the DNA, resulting in mutations or cancers.
  • http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/new-research-gmo-food-far-worse-we-think#comment-1135 - information on a recent study testing Roundup on human embryonic kidney cells, and rates between 1 - 20,000 ppm (parts per million - think about the one drop of water in a swimming pool. Between one drop and 20,000 drops... out of a million). They found that levels as low as 50ppm (50 drops in a whole pool) induced cell death. This is tested on human cells. The most amazing thing from this article was the statement "The researchers also found that the insecticidal toxin produced by GM plants known as Cry1Ab was capable of causing cell death at 100 ppm concentrations." This is the very specific toxin used in Bt GM technology.
  • http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/surprise-monsanto-funded-research-finds-their-products-safe#_ftnref1 - be very aware of what research you read and where it came from. Seemily reliable sources often have their hands in the back pockets of multinational corporations who only want GMO's to succeed, regardless of the actual toxic impact on society. Yes, there are studies that say GMO's are safe - but they are lying to us. The studies are in no way accurate.
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21338670 - "This is the first study to reveal the presence of circulating pesticides associated to genetically modified foods in women with and without pregnancy, paving the way for a new field in reproductive toxicology including nutrition and utero-placental toxicities." This has the potential to explain why many more children are being born with allergies, diseases, DNA disruptions, and toxicity, and why many women are being affected by diseases and issues not seen in previous generations.
Stay tuned for more (and there are HEAPS more, it just takes time to search and summarise!)!!

So the big question, what do we do about it?!
First of all, make a decision. If GMO's don't really bother you then good for you. At least you've made a decision. BUT, if the info you've read so far makes you a bit scared, angry, upset, or worried about your family's health, then you need to make some big lifestyle changes.

Do you use cheap margarine? GM canola in your favourite spreads.
Do you eat non-organic meat? GM ingredients in animal feed is very very common.
Do you eat foods made in other countries (especially in the USA, where GM crops are everywhere)?
Do you eat out of season produce? Because, although they may not be scientifically genetically modified, they are bred and altered to last longer, mature sooner, resist pests and diseases, all at the expense of nutrition and taste...
Do you eat a lot of foods out of packets? Processed foods almost always contain GMO derived ingredients, because it is one very effective way of keeping costs down...
Do you buy from companies who endorse GMO's? Or who financially support pro-GMO legislation and are against the GMO labelling campaign Right To Know?
Which companies are they?

In California this year, a bill was defeated in parliament (congress... whatever they call it) that was trying to get GMO products labelled. So the consumer could simply have a choice in what they were eating. Here are a few high end companies who DO NOT want you to know if you're eating a GM product or not (info from here):
  • Monsanto
  • Bayer CropScience
  • DuPont
  • Dow AgroSciences
  • Coca Cola
  • Pepsi-Co
  • Kellogg's (everyone's (ex)favourite cereals)
  • Heinz (beans, spaghetti, canned foods)
  • Sarah Lee (frozen desserts
  • Kraft (dairy)
  • McCain (frozen meals and soups)
  • Nestle
  • Campbells (soup)
  • McCormick (spices and cooking)
  • Hershey's (cookies and icecream)
  • Mars
  • Wrigley's (chewies)
  • Ocean Spray Cranberries (was my favourite)
and many more...
I think it's AMAZING that the first four companies in that list are all manufacturers of GMO's. Why would you create a product that you would want to hide from the consumer? Why be ashamed of what you create to the point where you invest millions of dollars to keep their inclusion a secret? Why not be honest and open if, indeed, there is nothing to fear about GMO's?

THEIR BEHAVIOUR MAKES NO SENSE, AND WE SHOULD BE REALLY WORRIED IF WE SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING.

Step one, i know you'll hate me... but... BOYCOTT these brands.
Step two, is petitions. We have the right to know if our meat is being fed GM grains, and if our products contain GM ingredients, or derivatives. Let us decide with our wallets. But we deserve the right to choose.
Step three, stay in touch with this blog. Not only will you be getting info on what to avoid, but you'll be getting heaps more info on how to live the life you want, feel great, support mother nature, grow food without atrificial fertilisers or sprays... and whatever else you want me to research for you.

Let's do this!

Thursday 15 November 2012

Artificial Colours - Part Two


If you haven't read it yet, here's the link to Part One.

Let's get to know our colours a little more in depth. Please keep in mind that these effects are magnified in a developing child as their bodies are more susceptible to changes, and toxins like this build up over time, often showing up later in life or, worse, in the next generation through DNA damage (think childhood illnesses and birth defects).

102 - Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow #5. 
Banned in Europe, UK, and Norway. 
Used to colour beauty products, pen ink, crayons, vitamins, medicines, as well as food. 
Reactions include anxiety, migraines, blurred vision, itching/rashes, weakness, temperature fluctuations, feelings of suffocation, insomnia, clinical depression, and hyperactivity.
Links to childhood asthma, thyroid tumours, genotoxicity, and chromosomal damgage (OMG OMG OMG!).

104 - Quinoline Yellow, Yellow 13.
Banned in Europe, UK, USA, Japan, Canada, and Norway.
Popular in sweet foods and soft drinks.
When mixed with preservatives, 104 is shown to increase hyperactivity and decrease intelligence in children. It causes genotoxicity, dermatitis, urticaria, and rhinitis. 

110 - Sunset Yellow, FD&C Yellow #6.
Banned in Europe, UK, and Norway.
Reactions include gastric upset, diarrhoea, vomiting, urticaria, skin swelling, and migraines. Also increases hyperactivity and decreases intelligence in children when combined with a preservative. Impurities of this colour (poorly produced, usually used in cheaper products) contain amines of such high proportions that they are considered carcinogenic (I don't throw that word around, this colour causes cancer). Also, a combination of this colour with at least one other increases the severity of the reactions.

122 - Azorubine, Carmoisine, Acid Red 14.
Banned in Europe, UK, USA, Japan, Canada, and Norway.
It has been known as a carcinogen for 60 years, particularly in regards to bladder cancer. Again, it is shown to increase hyperactivity and decrease intelligence in children when combined with preservatives - particularly Sodium Benzoate 211. Enhances asthmatic symptoms. KNOWN CARCINOGEN.

123 - Amaranth, FD&C Red #2.
Banned in USA, and Norway.
Most commonly used in Glace Cherries, to give them that distinct shiny red colour. Female rats showed a great increase in malignant tumours when fed this colour. The USA ban in 1976 that still stands today is because of the strong links to cancer. KNOWN CARCINOGEN.

124 - Ponceau, Brilliant Scarlet, Cochineal Red A.
Banned in Europe, US, USA, and Norway.
It's a histamine liberator, so intensifies asthma symptoms. Wiki says "Ponceau is considered carcinogenic in some countries." So, what, are there different tests they run? It is also, again, shown to increase hyperactivity and decrease intelligence in children when combined with a preservative. As with 110, impurities contain such high amines that they are considered absolutely carcinogenic.

127 - Erythrosine, FD&C Red #3.
Banned in Norway.
Commonly used in lollies, popsicles, and cake decorating gels. It's also used to colour pistachio shells. High doses have shown increased tumours in rats. It has the lowest allowed dosage rate of the approved colourings, and is the most consistent "promiscuous protein-protein interaction inhibitor" (that basically means it interferes with proteins in the body). Given the lack of research, and the fact that the acceptable dosage rate is lower than some of our high-end chemical colours, i'd avoid this like the plague.

129 - Allura Red, FD&C Red #40.
Banned in Europe, UK, and Norway.
Like most modern artificial colours, it is made from petroleum. Also, like others, when combined with Sodium Benzoate it increases hyperactivity and decreases intelligence in children. It has been investigated as a reproductive effector in rats, with the results inconclusive... It easily mutates, and is linked with the development of bladder cancer. 

132 - Indigotine, Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue #2.
Banned in Norway.
This is the same stuff they use to dye your jeans blue. Yep. While it can be extracted from a leaf, mass production occurs synthetically. Used extensively in pharmaceuticals. Associated with nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems, and other common allergic responses. It is used in obstetrics to detect amniotic fluid leaks, and as a pH indicator. It is harmful to the respiratory tract if inhaled, and causes skin irritation.


133 - Brilliant Blue, FD&C Blue #1.
Banned in Norway.
Used in inks, to dye fabric and wool, and to colour proteins. As well as in food...
It's derived from petroleum, and usually combined with tartrazine (102) to make a shade of green. Combinations of artificial colours are known to enhance symptoms (ie - it's worse when you mix the colours!). Increases the severity of asthma symptoms, it is not recommended for consumption by children. Causes hyperactivity and skin rashes, and has been firmly linked with chromosomal damage.


142 - Green S.
Banned in USA, Japan, Canada, and Norway.
Is an Azo Dye, so causes hyperactivity and decreased brain function. Derived from petroleum and/or coal. Commonly found in canned peas, mint jelly, mint sauce, cake mix, and packet bread crumbs. It causes asthma, rashes, and is a proven mutagen in animal testing (meaning mutating cells). 

143 - Fast Green FCF, FD&C Green #3.
Banned in Europe, UK, and Norway.
It's said that this green is preferred because is brighter and less likely to fade. It has shown to have tumorigenic effects on experimental animals, as well as mutagenic effects on both animals and humans. Just to clarify, a mutagen "is a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material, usually DNA, of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level. As many mutations cause cancer, mutagens are therefore also likely to be carcinogens." (quote from this Wiki article). CHANGES OUR DNA...

151 - Brilliant Black.
Banned in USA, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, and Norway. It has a high rate of allergic and intolerance responses, from mild rashes and irritation to full allergic reactions. It's particularly bad for people who are asprin sensitive. On top of that it is a histamine liberator, so it enhances the effects of asthma. It has been reccommended to be removed from the diet of children, citing major behavioural issues.
 
155 - Brown HT.
Banned in USA, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, and Norway.
Very similar in reactions to it's good friend (151) Brilliant Black. Particularly bad for children in terms of enhancing asthma symptoms, and creating behavioural issues, and so is reccommended to be removed from their diets completely.

160b - Annatto, bixin, norbixin. Can be listed as natural.
Skin reactions, gastrointestinal upset, airway interference, and nervous system disruption are all symptoms of this "natural" colour additive. The only reason it is "natural" is because the colour is extracted from the seed coat of the tropical Annatto Tree (Bixa orellana). The Food Intolerance Network says "It is the only natural colour that has so far as been found to cause as many adverse intolerance reactions as artificial colours and to affect more consumers that artificial colours. It has also been associated with rare allergic reactions. Reactions to annatto can occur the same day but are more likely to be delayed than reactions to artificial colours, and are therefore more difficult to identify." Headaches, irritability, restlessness, inattention, sleep disturbances, even arthritic conditions...

171 - Titanium Dioxide, Titanium White.
It's used to make things gloriously white. Everything from paints, plastics, papers, and inks to foods, cosmetics, sunscreens, and toothpastes. Inflammatory responses and genetic damage have been reported in mice. "The safety of the use of nano-particle sized titanium dioxide, which can penetrate the body and reach internal organs, has been criticised". There is firm evidence that says nano-particles entering the body can reach the brains of small animals. Those particles can lodge anywhere in the brain, and virtually not be removed, paving the way for anything from cancer to Alzheimer's.


Why are these banned in other places and not here?

Take another look back at what I've just written.
Chromasomal damage
Carcinogen
Mutagen
Alzheimer's
Decreased brain function
Hyperactivity
Genotoxicity
Depression
Anxiety
Migranes
Dermatitis
Asthma
Protein Inhibitor...

The amount of articles I've read are endless. These people are making us SICK... KILLING us. Now there is no excuse to sit back and do nothing. Get this rubbish out of your diet. YOU deserve the BEST that life has to offer, not what some multinational corporation feeds you.

We don't need these. At all. Food can either be your best form of medicine, or your slowest form of poison. Vote with your wallets, don't buy from companies who use this poison.

Stay tuned my Apples, Part three is exposing the foods that contain these colours so we can send a very clear message to the companies producing them that we're not interested... by not buying them anymore...



REFERENCES
http://fedup.com.au/information/information/complete-lists-of-additives-6
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1208720/Suncream-linked-Alzheimers-disease-say-experts.html
http://www.mbm.net.au/health/100-181.htm
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au