Organic & Non-GMO Foods-What’s the Difference?
Healthy Alternative Markets offers a large selection of organic, non-GMO, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free foods. Our freezers are stocked with items such as organic vegetables, meats, ice-cream, desserts, pizzas and many other prepared frozen foods that fall into all of these categories. Isles shelve a variety of cake mixes, breads, snacks, canned goods, teas, pasta, oils, sweeteners, milk and the list goes on.
Many customers ask what the difference is between organic and non-GMO foods, so we would like to offer a brief description of what those are. The first thing to address is what qualifies as organic. Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.
First off what is a GMO? GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. It will suffice to say that this is not considered safe by 60 other countries in the world, as they have completely or substantially banned GMO’s.
Animal studies show organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. Human studies show how genetically modified (GM) food can leave material behind inside us, possibly causing long-term problems. Genes inserted into GM soy, for example, can transfer into the DNA of bacteria living inside us, and that the toxic insecticide produced by GM corn was found in the blood of pregnant women and their unborn fetuses. Over 80% of all GMOs grown worldwide are engineered for herbicide tolerance.
We believe that organic, non-GMO foods are nutritionally superior. They are relatively free of toxins and organic food is earth supportive and supports sustainability, organic farming is environmentally friendlier and we like supporting independent small farmers. Organic foods can taste better – and most people agree there is a fresher more pure flavor. There is additional evidence that strongly points to less cancer risk with organic, non-GMO foods.
Our staff is very knowledgeable about all the options we offer that are non-GMO, organic, vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free. It’s worth the trip to buy your groceries at our stores and allow our staff to help guide you on the selection that meets your needs. You simply will not get any assistance in the large grocery stores… as we all know, it gets overwhelming and you can end up spending far more money on products that are not at all what you were looking for.