My Letter to Times Online UK: GM Soya Beans NOT Healthy

A lot of people ask whether GM foods (like all conventional, non-organic soy and corn nowadays) are really that much of a health risk. Read my previous blog on the subject to learn more about the negatives.

But something that is even more aggravating to me, politically speaking, is Monsanto's stance on labeling foods GM (so we can monitor whether, for instance, the rise in corn and soy allergies is due to these franken-foods), and on public advertising and marketing campaigns focused on proving GM's application to health and wellness. This has gone much too far.

Read my response to the UK branch of Times Online regarding this very subject:

Letter to Times Online Article - GMO Soybean Scam

online.editor@timesonline.co.uk
Times Online, UK

To Whom It May Concern:

In a recent article titled, “GM Bean Could Help Prevent Heart Attacks” by your Science Editor Mark Henderson, I was disheartened to see that in the extensive covering of this new component of our food culture none of the highly controversial and globally debated topics were discussed regarding Monsanto, and their Genetically Modified Foods.

Monsanto’s Vice-President for Consumer Traits, David Stark, was quoted in your article as saying that this new Soya bean is “another reason for consumers to pause and consider whether GM has a role to play.” He thinks that GM Soya does have a role to play, should we allow it, “not only for how we deliver food for this planet, but also for how we protect our health. So, let us pause and consider some of the alternate findings, that have very much to do with our health, outside of the small studies being instituted to fast-track this soya bean into our collective mouths.

Genetically modified foods have been studied extensively in their reactions on both animals and humans. Mice fed GM potatoes had intestinal damage, farmers have reported that pigs and cows have become sterile from GM corn, and a recent study funded by the Austrian government concluded that GM crops threaten human fertility and health safety. This is just a sampling of 65 health risks of GM foods, excerpted from Jeffrey Smith’s research and documentation on the subject (Smith 2007, 21-63). Even more interesting is the fact that in the UK, soon after GM soy was introduced, soy allergies skyrocketed.

Monsanto expects this new bean to be ‘cleared’ by the FDA by 2011, but should we trust such an association? A study conducted by eight international researchers revealed a doubt in the reliability and accuracy of European Food Safety (EFSA) and the United States FDA tests to assess the health risks of GMOs and pesticides (Organic Consumers Association, 2009). They were quoted as saying that these committees “systematically overlook the side effects of GMOs and pesticides.” They demanded the publication of the results of tests regarding GMO safety, which are only revealed one-by-one as legal action is instituted.

It is clear to me that one study, with just 33 people, is not sufficient to warrant such health claims and blind enthusiasm for an unknown product and food-like-substance. Nor does it make sense to stop at just 250 volunteers in a research study lead by the same Professor William Harris. We should be asking questions like, what independent, non-biased study has proven the long term effectiveness and safety of this supposed heart-healthy bean? And when there is such strong, diverse, and vast argument opposing this industry and technology, should we not take notice, not only as consumers, but as journalists?

Natalie Anastasio Pescetti, CN, NE
Mount Shasta, CA

Healthy Easter Basket Tips

The fuzzy and fluffy white Easter bunny, the mascot of this coming Sunday morning, represents varying degrees of significance to different people. To me, it is a time of renewal, of shedding off the old unused and outdated parts of our selves, and bringing in the new to bloom. But to my daughter, the Easter bunny represents CHOCOLATE, and nothing else.

Holidays can be hard for parents who want to focus on eating healthy, individually and as a family. But they are also the best time to get festive, and figure out how to create an awesome memory for our child, free from the singular sweetness of commercial candy. Surprisingly, kids actually have many motivators outside the realm of junk food and sweets. 

Here are some simple tips and ideas for making your Easter basket, or Easter egg hunt, more healthy and in line with the true nature of this holiday. Use some or all of the below to make a unique basket stuffed full of goodies that will not send your child into a drunken sugar binge.

• Art Supplies - New crayons, markers, paint, glitter and glue sticks. All art supply stores are wonderous in their inventory, and stuffing a basket full of these creative items will provide hours of fun throughout the day.
• Stickers
• Stuffed Animals
• Tickets - Buy your child a ticket (or make one yourself if you do not have time to stop by the theater) for a movie, the local ice skating rink, or bowling alley. 
• Books
• Music - My 7 year old loves receiving new, odd music from me that lasts her for days as she discovers new songs.
• Soap, Lotions, or Chapstick
• Bubble Bath
• Socks with cool designs
• Home Made Gift Certificates - Make coupons (with the help of the Easter bunny) that you know will excite your child. Here are some ideas: room cleaning by mom and dad, pick your favorite dinner, breakfast in bed, 1 hour playtime, slumber party, etc.
• Treats - Add something sweet, but only as a sideline (think small). A small organic dark chocolate egg, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (your child's favorite fruit will brighten up that basket!), carob chips in a baggie.
• Flowers - If we love receiving flowers, why wouldn't our children? Just choose a couple stems to enliven the basket. You could even make homemade potpourri with it after!
• Board Games or Card Games
• An Itinerary for the Day - Make a list of all the activities that you will do in the day together. You may want to include art time, play time, craft projects, or events that you will be attending. This is emphasizing experiences, rather than things.

Kids want more than candy, toys, and new gadgets. They want attention, love, and warm experiences. Use Easter as an opportunity to come together as a family, and enjoy the day. Think about those things that you can do, every year around this time, to celebrate the end of the darkness of winter, and the illumination that comes from spring. Family traditions start outside the box of conventional standards, and provide richness and stability that will be held for a lifetime.

I am starting a tradition this year that I am excited about. Every year the Easter bunny is bringing a recipe basket. This basket will be for the whole family, and it will be chalked full of fresh wholesome ingredients, along with a recipe card, for a yummy lunch or dinner. We will read the card, look at each fresh vegetable, herb, and spice and identify it, and make it together. You can even do another basket with the dessert of the day (and forgo the treat in the basket if you would like). I would recommend a raw dessert, made from wholesome ingredients. Rawfoodists are outstanding bloggers, so search away and experiment with their recipes!

A happy, wholesome Easter is just a few steps away with a little preparation. Be creative, make new traditions, and do not forget to add things that fulfill you, inside and out.