In a recent paper published in the journal Entropy, Dr. Stephanie Seneff and Anthony Samsel argue that the key ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, contributes to most of the diseases associated with a Western diet — everything from gastrointestinal disorders to mood swings, heart disease to diabetes. Monsanto has long argued that glyphosate is perfectly safe for humans. That’s because glyphosate works by disrupting the shikimate pathway in a plant’s metabolism. Human metabolism does not have the shikamate pathway, so we are safe. But are we?
Hybrid Seeds vs. GMOs
Hybrid Seeds. Genetically-modified (GMO) seeds. Heirloom seeds. The labels often confuse people. Not a single day passes without some well-meaning reader leaving a comment like this one: “GMOs are perfectly safe. Farmers and gardeners have been cross-breeding seeds like this for thousands of years. Take off your tinfoil hats, people!”
Um… no. Just no.
Farmers and gardeners have NOT been cross-breeding seeds like this for thousands of years. What those well-intentioned readers fail to understand is the fundamental difference between hybrid seeds and GMOs.
New GMOs: Agent Orange Resistant Soy & Corn
What’s Big Ag’s answer to the growing threat of Round-Up resistant superweeds? Why, creating an even deadlier GMO commodity crop that’s resistant to a more powerful herbicide, of course! That’s what Dow has done — creating genetically-modified varieties of corn & soy that are resistant to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (commonly known as 2,4-D), the chemical that makes up half of the infamous Agent Orange herbicide deployed during the Vietnam war. The USDA is currently taking comments (through February 24th) on these 2,4-D resistant crops.
Peru Bans Monsanto and GMOs
A ten year ban on GMOs takes effect this week in Peru, a victory won by zealous farmers and other activists who want to protect Peru’s abundant biodiversity.
GIVEAWAY: $500 Gift Certificate to Vital Choice Seafood
This week, I am giving away a $500 gift certificate to Vital Choice to help raise awareness (and money) for the upcoming election on Prop 37 in California. Just think: Real wild caught Alaskan salmon burgers with no GMOs, fillers, or other nastiness! BPA-free canned albacore tuna! Smoked oysters! Wild caught salmon roe! Can you tell I’m excited?