Genetically Engineered Animals

We have all heard about genetically modified food, GMO, but did you know that the FDA is getting ready to approve genetically engineered animals? According to the “Food and Water Watch” that is just what is being look at right now for approval. Specifically salmon, they take the genes from two of types of fish (one a growth hormone) to make the salmon grow twice as fast as farmed raised. They are calling it AquAdvantage salmon according to “Farm Sanctuary.” In fact the FDA may not require any labeling that lets the consumer know that these fish had been genetically engineered (GE). Already we have created drug resistance with the general practices of agribusiness as with antibiotics, could this now escalate the problem? With no long term testing to see the impact on human consumption or on the environment the FDA wants the public to be the guinea pigs in this experiment. What are your thoughts?

Cookware

Cooking at home is believed to be a healthy alternative to eating out, but when our cookware contains harmful chemicals is it? I have found that cast-iron and glass to be the best cookware for your health and the environment. Next I would say that stainless steel is. Cast-iron is not only durable and will last through generations but also provides the foods being cooked in it with the very important mineral Iron. No other cookware can do this! Cast-iron, when treated properly is completely non-stick without any of the harmful effects of non-stick coatings. Glass cookware is also very durable. I have had my set for over 20 years and never broken a pot, and believe me I am not gentle with them. They clean-up easily and there is nothing harmful about them that can be absorbed into your food. Another thing that I really like about cast-iron and glass cookware is that they take less energy to cook your food in them. Once heated thoroughly they hold the heat and continue cooking your food after the stove is turned off. This means that you may need to adjust to this feature so that your food does not over cook. Once you have adjusted you will enjoy healthier food and a healthier life.

A note about pots and pans coated with non-stick surfaces and how they can be detrimental to your health. The EPA has reported many health concerns including particles pealing off into your food to a sort of “fume-fever”. “Fume-fever” is a result of breathing in the cooking fumes causing flu like symptoms. Breathing in the fumes from these pot and pans are being linked as a contributing factor in breast and liver cancer among other heath issues. In fact the fumes are deadly to birds and it is recommended that all pet birds are kept away from the kitchen while cooking with this type of cookware. If you have any cookware with a non-stick coating check it over good for cracking, peeling and ware. Cook only at low temperatures. Replace any that is not in very good condition and also consider phasing out this type of cookware and replacing it with one that is good for your health and the environment.