Back in the 1970s, agro-business giant Monsanto created the toxic, chemical herbicide glyphosate, now commonly known as “Roundup.” Unlike other herbicides used in farming at the time, glyphosate was “non-selective,” meaning it wiped out all living plants and pests in its path. However, farmers at the time had no real use for glyphosate because it killed their crops.
Monsanto scientists then altered seeds’ genetic structure so the plants that grew could withstand glyphosate. The herbicide kills every weed and pest in sight, along with the bees, butterflies and birds — everything except the crop itself. As a result, the new genetically modified “plants” grew robustly without natural competition.
In 1996, Monsanto introduced the first genetically modified crop in Canada. They called it “Roundup Ready Canola.” “Roundup Ready” crops including soybeans and corn soon followed suit.
Rapidly, genetically altered crops took over the agriculture industry in both Canada and the U.S. And in the U.S. today, at least 90 percent of canola, cotton, corn, soy, and sugar crops are genetically modified.
Double-dosed Roundup crops
But there is even more alarming news about how Roundup is used.
According to one account, some farmers spray Roundup directly on wheat grain at the time of harvesting to desiccate (or dry out) the grain. This artificial drying makes the grain lighter, and easier to harvest and store. It also prevents mold contamination.
Pre-harvest application to wheat was first suggested as early as 1980. And it became routine 15 years ago.
According to the USDA’s statistics, 88 percent of durum wheat, 91 percent spring wheat, and 47 percent winter wheat were sprayed with Roundup before harvesting in 1998. But by 2012, 99 percent of durum wheat, 97 percent of spring wheat, and 61 percent of winter wheat were sprayed with Roundup before harvest.
Some researchers now think that the recent explosion of gluten sensitivity and intolerance to wheat stems from this practice. It would also explain why a recent analysis of packaged cereal, bread and wheat products found measurable levels of Roundup.
According to research at MIT, glyphosate poisons the human microbiome (probiotic bacteria), which would account for the rising rates of food allergies and sensitivities seen today.
Interestingly, many people sickened by wheat products made in the U.S. don’t experience problems when they eat artisanal-made bread and pasta in Europe, where Roundup is banned (so it can’t be the gluten).
More problems ahead
The World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has labeled glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. (Although that data had been hidden from the U.S. National Cancer Institute.)
Consumption of glyphosate also damages DNA, interferes with amino acid balance, depletes the body of trace minerals, and impairs detoxification. Plus, evidence shows strong correlations between pesticide usage on food crops and leukemia and cancers of bladder, breast, kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid.
Research also links the metabolic disruptions incurred by Roundup with Alzheimer’s, autism, depression, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, multiple sclerosis, and obesity.
Steer clear of center
My advice?
Avoid ALL genetically modified foods in the supermarket. Look for organic and locally grown produce whenever you can. Organic foods cannot, by law, come from genetically modified seeds. Nor will they have direct Roundup exposure.
Also, steer clear of packaged, processed foods in the center aisles of your local grocery store. Stick to the indoor perimeter of the store, where most fresh ingredients are shelved.
Lastly, write to your representatives on the state and national level. Tell them that you demand labels on packages that contain genetically modified ingredients. The prior administration in Washington, D.C. interfered with efforts by individual states to require labeling.
In my view, Roundup poses a serious threat to human health and may very well destroy the ecology of the entire planet. It is certainly a much more serious, clear and immediate threat than other possible environmental dangers the politically correct crowd likes to obsess about.
Source:
The Real Reason Why Wheat is Toxic,” Real Farmacy (www.realfarmacy.com) 11/2/2016