Top GMO Crops (and how to avoid them)

"Four of the most widely consumed crops in the United States are commonly grown from genetically modified seeds:

21% of rapeseed  49% of cotton 77% of soybeans 85% of U.S.-grown corn

Critics of GMO farming claim that these “transgenic crops” may cause a host of environmental and health problems, including the use of more pesticides than non-GMO crops.  

If you prefer to limit your intake of these foods, consider these tips:

• - Buy organic produce and products (including cotton goods) when possible.
• - Especially avoid eating foods that contain non-organic corn and and soy.
• - Skip processed foods in favor of whole foods. (note cotton seeds, for example, are often used to make cooking oils and margarine.)
• - For cooking, use olive, coconut or peanut oil rather than canola oil (which is made from rapeseed). 

Use the guide below to decode the PLU labels on most produce items.

LOOK FOR THE PLU CODES ON PRODUCE STICKERS:

• - A 4-digit number signifies conventional produce.
• - A 5-digit number that starts with 9 signifies organic.
• - A 5-digit number that starts with 8 was designated for GMO production, but is rarely ever used.  For more information , visit www.nongmoshoppingguide.com.”

- www.experiencelife.com