Feb 6, 2014

Genetically Modified Foods

There are many foods that have been changed at their genetic level. However, more research is starting to show the problems this causes in unexpected ways. Take for example Wheat, which started as Einkorn thousands of years ago with only 14 chromosomes and very little gluten at all. Which then became Emmer, with 28 chromosomes. And onto Spelt and Kamut.....and now today's wheat has 42 chromosomes! Not to mention so much gluten that some digestive systems just can't handle it now.

Today's health battle isn't just what food categories we should in and in what balance. But the real question is what quality of food should we eat. Definitely not genetically modified! Who knows the future consequence to our bodies of foods that have been structurally changed.

Gm_accept_map2.jpg
Map of countries allowing GMOs
But If you'd like a more specific article with some main points....
  • The four primary GM foods are soy, corn, canola, and sugar beets.  Derivatives of these foods are present in over 70 percent of food in the grocery store. The main reason the plants are genetically modified is so they can handle higher amounts of herbicide.  Bacterial genes are inserted that allow them to survive doses of herbicide that would otherwise kill them.
  • Digestive disorders Laboratory animals fed GM foods developed stomach lesions, intestinal damage, and proliferative cell growth in the walls of the stomach and intestines.
  • Unbalanced intestinal bacteria The good bacteria living in our digestive tracts is helpful for digestion and immunity.  Excessive herbicide residues on GM crops may destroy beneficial intestinal flora.  
  • Compromised immunity Animal studies with GM foods show delayed immune responses and inflammatory and immune reactions.
  • Allergies Soon after GM soy products were introduced in the UK, soy allergies increased by 50 percent.  
  • Liver problems The liver is the body’s main detoxifying organ.  Mice and rats fed GM food had significant changes in their livers. In some, livers were smaller and partially atrophied. 
  • Reproductive problems and infant mortality

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Sometimes is is difficult to tell with all the labels and marketing ploys. So...here are some to be aware of....



And this is a pervasive problem.

Feb 5, 2014

Yogurt Oat Muffins

This is a super simple recipes and doesn't require flour...just oats.

2 1/2 c. rolled Oats
1 c. yogurt
2 eggs
1/2 c. sweetener of choice
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c blueberries (or other berries)
1  tsp lemon juice, optional (1/4 lemon, squeezed)

1. Just place all in blender until mixed.
2. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 
(I like the mini muffin tins and cook for a little less)

Baked Soaked Apple Oatmeal


2 cups rolled oats
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup yogurt

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1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c. maple syrup
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 T butter, melted (for greasing pan)
1 apple, cored and shredded


1. Combine oats, water and yogurt in a bowl and cover with a towel. Leave on the counter overnight.
2. In the morning, drain excess liquid from soaked oats.
3. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another bowl.
4. Combine wet ingredients and dry ingredients into the soaked oats. 
5. Spread in greased pan and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until the oatmeal is golden brown on top and set. Serve warm with fresh raspberries or blueberries.

From Nourishing Traditions Book, by Sally Fallon