Dangers of GMO Pesticides

Americans are becoming aware of the dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods, but most don't know that scientists have created GMO crops specifically designed to be resistant to weed killer.

This allows farmers to use weed killers at higher concentrations, and in theory, be able to control weeds more easily. It’s a win-win for big corporations: They can sell the special seed each season, and then sell a lot more weed killer.

Recent studies have found much higher concentrations of weed killers in these crops. This is important because weed killers and other pesticides are associated with a number of very deadly diseases, the main one being cancer. Weed killers, unlike many pesticides, extend to millions of homes, golf courses, and public facilities.

A growing number of carefully conducted studies are showing that weed killers may produce significant damage to human DNA, mitochondria, and especially immune cells. Worst of all, they may do so in doses far below that found in agricultural use.

A study from a French laboratory in 2009 reported in the journal Toxicology found that weed killers produced gene damage and concluded that weed killers should be considered carcinogens. Further, they accumulate in food, animal feed, and the environment. (For tips on buying safer food, read my special report "How to Avoid Poisonous Foods.")

Other pesticides are also linked to a high incidence of cancer, especially lymphomas.

From the late 1970s until 1992, there was a 50 percent increase in lymphoma, with the greatest incidence occurring in the farm belt of the Midwest. As far back as 1981, a study from Sweden found that there was a sixfold increase in malignant lymphoma in those exposed to herbicides. Another highly fatal cancer, multiple myeloma, may also be linked to weed killers.

Avoiding pesticides around the house will go a long way toward preventing these deadly cancers. (To learn more about the home health risks that threaten your family, read my special report "Health Dangers Lurk Within Your Home.") Greater protection can be gained from:

• Eating a good diet

• Thoroughly washing all fruits and vegetables

• Taking supplements that are known to increase your antioxidant defenses and hinder the development of cancer.

Many pesticides produce toxicity by generating massive amounts of free radicals. The following nutrients help protect from these free radicals:

• Vitamin K

• Curcumin

• Quercetin

• Indole-3 carbonol

• Alpha-lipoic acid

• Taurine

• Vitamin D-3

You can learn even more about the benefits of supplements by reading my special report "Key Vitamins That Save Your Heart, Prevent Cancer and Keep You Living Long."