The Benefits of Going Non-GMO
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Meta: GMOs have been linked to growing concerns about sustainability and illness’. That’s why we believe in going Non-GMO. Find out details on what GMO means and why it's harmful.
The Benefits of Going Non-GMO
GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. Ultimately, this means that the source of whatever you are eating or drinking has had their genetic code changed for the benefit of the farmer. We don’t believe that DNA should be altered and keep our plants pure. Let’s dive into the risks and information available on GMOs, and why we don’t use it.
Cream of the Crop
GMO is defined by the World Health Organization as “organisms (plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination”. The acronym itself stands for genetically modified organisms. While unnatural, genetic foods were created initially to protect crops that were constantly dying due to pests. This meant that crops were being lost each year, and with that, their money.
There is a lot of debate around GMOs, since there is evidence supporting it can cause health issues due to toxins being added to our foods. Here at _____ we understand the struggles of being a farmer. We believe that these GMOs shouldn’t be in what we consume. That’s why we decided to be non-GMO and stick to tradition.
Straight As
While the plants in other alcohols or foods may contain GMOs, that doesn’t mean they haven’t had any testing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure that the contents in the foods meet the same standards as non-GMO foods. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides and the Department of Agriculture completes inspections to look at how GMOs could affect other plants.
While all this sounds great on the surface level, we realistically don’t know how these chemicals will affect us long term. In fact, there is a ton of genetic instability with using GMOs. Even the scientists testing on animals recognize that there can be increased toxins, allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, immuno-suppression, loss of nutrition, and even cancer with the use of GMOs.
Wait, So It’s Just Organic?
No. If something is non-GMO, it does not mean it’s organic. They go through different sets of testing. For instance, non-GMO items have to undergo testing by the Non-GMO Project, while organic items must be tested through The Department of Agriculture.
Some of the key differences are that organic foods or drinks must go through testing of many more harmful ingredients, such as antibiotics, hormones, artificial colors, preservatives, GMO’s, synthetic pesticides, and sewage sludge. Non-GMO is strictly that, no GMO’s.
It’s All Good
With non-GMO products, you know what you are consuming has been tested every step of the way for these ingredients. It is more environmentally sustainable, and you avoid all of the health risks that pose a threat to your body. The FDA does not require foods that contain GMOs to label it as such, they are only labeled if they are non-GMO. Why take the risk? Do the best for your body and go non-GMO.
Good for You
Since you are altering the genetic makeup of plants, we can only imagine what they can do for our bodies on top of all those chemicals being eaten. For instance, one of the most popular herbicides, Roundup, has grown exponentially. In 2015, WHO stated that the main ingredient in Roundup (glyphosate) is “probably carcinogenic to humans”. Um, what??
In dairy products, cows treated with recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rGBH) increase the insulin-like growth factor. This rBGH can completely surpass digestion, making its way into the bloodstream and intestines. Insulin-like growth factor is a critical component of several cancers. There are also several concerns linking GMOs to antibiotic resistance genes and allergens, not to mention the environmental risks!
Good for the Planet
If you need more reasons to go non-GMO, we’ve got them. Non-GMO foods are often more sustainable and are definitely healthier for the environment. Some other environmental risks that are concerning with the use of GMOs are how it can genetically alter its surroundings, such as insects. Since GMO messes with the genetic makeup of the plant, it can risk instability of the gene and increases the amount of chemicals used.
With our _______ we craft the alcohol from start to finish and go through extra certifications, so there isn’t any question about the quality of our product. We don’t use harmful chemicals and believe strongly in sustainability. We are carbon-neutral, harvest our own plants, and use natural pollination. To learn more about our commitment to sustainability, click here.
Fear the Unknown
While there is some testing, we know that currently there are NO epidemiological studies that look at the potential health effects of GMO food on humans. There have been studies done, but they have been completed by biotechnology companies. We don’t have a lot of information on the long-term studies but do have some short-term evidence that supports the negative health impacts of these chemicals.
Most of our foods nowadays contain GMOs, with corn, soy, and canola being top contenders. GMOs are also in a lot of livestock feed, meaning anything with animal products has an increased risk of containing them. Fortunately, we do almost everything by hand. The only step that includes livestock is the pull of a tahona by our horses.
Au Naturale
We don’t know how GMOs ultimately affect our body or the environment, but we do have evidence that suggests it isn’t happening in a good way. That’s why we believe in going the extra mile to obtain certifications, such as Non-GMO and Gluten-Free. Don’t forget it’s also vegan, zero-carb, plant-based, and carbon-neutral.
Why put extra chemicals into your body when you don’t have to? Our product is made with only three ingredients: ____, agave, and lots of love. This doesn’t mean just lots of love to our _______, either. It means lots of love to the environment and being respectful of our customers' health by avoiding things like GMOs. Why wait? Enjoy your alcohol ethically and get started by enjoying the sweet and smoky taste of _____. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a reusable water bottle on the way out.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/food-genetically-modified
https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/311/ge-foods/ge-food-and-your-health
https://www.onlyorganic.org/non-gmo-vs-organic-what-is-the-difference/
