OMG GMOs

Happy non-gmo month! This month gives us the opportunity to coordinate and voice our opinions because we do have a right to know what is in our food.

Genetically modified organisms are everywhere; meaning most of the corn, cotton, canola, alfalfa, soy and beets, the major crops of this country are grown from genetically engineered seeds. GMO seeds are modified, forcing DNA from one species into another species. Sadly, unlike many other countries, the US does not mandate labeling GMO foods, and yet possibly up to 80% of the packaged foods that we purchase contain genetically modified ingredients despite the fact that most consumers want to know and I believe have a right to know.

What are the risks of GMO’s? The jury is still out. Some say that it affects our overall health, decreasing our immune systems, affecting bacterial growth in our GI systems, affecting hormones and fertility. Environmentalists are concerned that they will breed plants that require more and more pesticides for their control thus greatly affecting our whole ecosystem and living environment, But studies are not conclusive and so careful analysis of the risks and benefits argues for expanded deployment and safety testing of GM crops. Certainly there may be little risk in eating GMO foods but on the flip side what if they are truly that bad? I personally do not want to be the human experiment!

Out of this came the Non-GMO Project whose seal of approval verifies that a product is in fact made from Non-GMO ingredients. Because we care about your health and that of the planet, we are proud to announce that flackers now bear that seal. So until we know more, I am choosing non gmo! This month as you enjoy all the healthy goodness of flackers you can also feel good that with every bite you are also standing up for your right to know!

 

All ears salsa; guilt-free yummy summer treat!

T’is the fresh corn season and you do not want to miss out this yummy sweet summer delightful produce.

Corn is the perfect high fiber, low-cal way to add a sweet crunchy flavor to any of your summer dishes.

With the tomato crop being so plentiful as well this season, i thought to create a combo salsa that is delicious, healthful, and perfect with flackers, chips, as a side dish alone or with baked summer fresh potatoes.

This salsa is low in everything: calories, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate and fat, but not in flavor. It boasts corn, which is a whole grain and tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants. The perfect yummy guilt-free summer treat.

Recipe:

• 3 cups chopped seeded tomato (about 3 medium)
• 3/4 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatillos (about 2 medium)
• 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained. You can also soak you own overnight, rinse, cook or-rinse and sprout them for a few days then use
• 1/4 cup fresh corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus rind (must be organic)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, small jalapeno or chipotle pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; cover and chill and enjoy!