Author: Jenn Sinrich

Categories
Nosh Nutrition x Advice

What Are GMOs? Experts Unpack This Umbrella Term

You’ve probably heard the initials GMO being used to describe foods you purchase at your local grocery store but might not understand what the term means exactly. In case you aren’t familiar, GMO stands for genetically modified organism, which sounds kind of scary when you break down what it might mean.
In short, GMOs can be plants, animals, viruses, or any bacterial organisms that have human-made modifications to their genes. These modifications are not naturally occurring, which is why so many Americans are concerned about the potential harm that genetically modified products could cause.
For this reason, more and more companies are signing on to the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization that certifies that goods are created and manufactured free from genetically modified organisms. A number of big brands have signed on in recent years, including Trader Joe’s and Chipotle.
Some environmental groups, however, are still not satisfied and are taking things a step further by demanding mandatory labeling of all genetically engineered foods. It doesn’t sound like a radical idea—after all, shouldn’t the consumer know what she is putting in her body?
To help clear the air surrounding GMOs, how they’re used in food, and whether they present a danger to consumers (and/or the environment), we asked some common questions about this umbrella term.

What are GMOs, really?

To fully understand what GMOs are and how they work, you have to go back to their inception—on the farm. “Crops that are genetically modified, or engineered, have a specific gene or trait from another species inserted into its DNA in order to adopt that trait as part of its genome,” explains registered dietitian Jennie Schmidt of Schmidt Farms in Ray, Michigan.
[pullquote align=”center”]In Jennie Schmidt’s experience and perspective as a farmer, genetically modifying organisms is not always a bad thing.[/pullquote]
“Conventional breeding includes hybridization, cross breeding, grafting, chemical or radiation mutagenesis, polyploidy, and protoplast fusion—all of which ‘modify’ the genes of the plants they are breeding, and all of which are acceptable means of plant breeding in the certified organic system.”
In Schmidt’s experience and perspective as a farmer, genetically modifying organisms is not always a bad thing.
For example, golden rice recently gained approval in numerous countries (including the U.S.). Golden rice is rice that has daffodil genes inserted into it to increase the amount of vitamin A that rice is otherwise lacking. This is important because vitamin A deficiency is a public health crisis in some developing nations. According to the World Health Organization, more than 250,000 children go blind each year as a result of vitamin A deficiency.  
Another way that GMOs make their way into our food supply is through crops that have been modified with the goal of withstanding the effects of herbicides and pesticides, and some GMO crops are designed to survive periods of low water or drought.

What is the history of GMOs?

Many people don’t know this, but the first GMO was not a food at all. Instead, it was a pharmaceutical—human insulin, which was approved in 1982. “This allowed for production of … insulin that is genetically identical to human insulin … rather than harvesting pancreas[es] of pigs and cattle at the slaughterhouse and extracting insulin that was less pure and more allergenic for insulin-dependent diabetics,” Schmidt explains.
The first genetically modified food crop to be sold was the Flavr Savr tomato in 1994. It was engineered to have less bruising and a longer shelf life, but it was highly unsuccessful because it did not have the fresh-picked flavor of in-season tomatoes.
Various field crops soon followed suit, including soybeans, corn, and cotton, which were engineered with insect resistance or herbicide tolerance and approved for use in commercial production.
“For us, adopting Bt corn (corn that’s been genetically modified) and herbicide-tolerant crops was just next steps of agricultural innovation,” says Schmidt. “My father-in-law saw the adoption of tractors in the ’30s and ’40s, the adoption of hybrid seeds in the ’50s and ’60s, the adoption of synthetic fertilizer in the ’50s and ’60s, the adoption of computers in the tractors in the ’80s and ’90s, so the adoption of these so-called GMOs was in his words ‘a no brainer.’”
These, she explains, were common-sense practices to adopt to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. In short, farmers saw benefits.

Are farmers who do not use GMOs negatively affected by the use of GMOs?

One of the main apprehensions non-GMO farmers have is cross-contamination of their crops with GMO crops. “Non-GMO farmers are concerned that pollen from GMO crops could blow into their non-GMO fields and [they could] actually get sued for not properly paying for GMO seeds,” explains Roger E. Adams, PhD, a Houston-based dietitian, nutritionist, and founder of eatrightfitness. “Careful farming practices can prevent this, however, lawsuits of this type are mostly blown out of proportion and many farmers grow non-GMO and GMO crops on the same farm.”

Are GMOs safe?

The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science have all come to the same conclusion that there is not enough evidence to support the belief that GMOs are unsafe.
Still, the concept of how they are created—the cross-breeding of DNA to create a food product that is not naturally occurring—does leave consumers with some unsettling concerns.
John Bagnulo, PhD, a food scientist and the director of nutrition for Functional Formularies, believes that GMOs are inherently risky to whoever eats them because our microbiome is easily influenced by these “loosely” held genes. (Loosely held refers to the instability of GMO genes being introduced to the microbiome. As Bagnulo explains, “Once there is genetic modification, genes are much more easily swapped when exposed to microbes.”)

How many products in the U.S. currently use GMOs? What are some of the most common items that incorporate GMOs?

There are only 10 crops that are genetically modified and produced in the United States currently: corn, soybeans, cotton, non-browning potatoes, papaya, squash, canola, alfalfa, non-browning apples, and sugar beets.
[pullquote align=”center”]Studies show that GMOs are making their way into 70 to 80 percent of conventional processed foods in the U.S.[/pullquote]
It’s also worth noting that a growing number of alfalfa-based animal feeds are genetically modified. Because of this, Bagnulo explains, most conventional milk is produced with GMOs—and it’s not just milk. Studies show that GMOs are making their way into 70 to 80 percent of conventional processed foods in the U.S., according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, since the majority of foods and beverages are produced with one or more of the ingredients listed.

Are food products in the U.S. required to have GMO labels to indicate that they have been genetically modified?

In July 2016, President Obama signed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law, which set a nationwide standard for the disclosure of genetic material that has been modified through DNA techniques. As part of this law, however, a food manufacturer can choose among a set of options to disclose the presence of GMOs in their food. One of these options is a mere electronic scanner or digital link on the packaging that takes the consumer to a website containing this information. Kind of sneaky, right?

Categories
Nosh Nutrition x Advice

Benefits Of Chia Seeds You Never Knew Existed

By now, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular, incredibly versatile, super nutritious chia seed, which is finding its way into tons of healthy recipes on the internet. And, if you’re old enough, you might remember the catchy 1980s commercial for the Chia Pet, a terracotta-style figurine that sprouted the tiny seed (which you can still purchase in many varieties, by the way). It’s clear that Americans have become somewhat obsessed with these gluten- and nut-free seeds, and not only because they sprout cute plant hair on top of our favorite terracotta characters. The benefits of chia seeds for health abound.
“Chia seeds have become known as a superfood, touting the ability to lower blood sugar, cholesterol, improve gut health, and help in appetite suppression and weight loss,” says Jeanette Kimszal, registered dietitian nutritionist. “The promise of these benefits give the food a ‘power,’ leading to consumers wanting to get their hands on these little seeds of hope.”
So how did this tiny seed become such a staple in the worlds of nutrition and health, and how you can benefit from consuming chia seeds on a regular basis?

But first, what are chia seeds, exactly?

Also known as Salvia hispanica, chia seeds are tiny seeds that come from a flowering plant in the mint family. The plant grows best in tropical climates and is native to Mexico and Guatemala.
Aurora Satler, chef and author of The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook, says that they can be used in almost any kind of food, from a vegan egg replacement to an oil, and in energy bars, drinks, and even in chocolate bars and snacks. “With their many health benefits—high in fiber, high in omega-3, high in calcium, and very uncommon as an allergen—chia seeds have fast been touted as a go-to health food,” she says.

The History of the Chia Seed

While we’re only just learning about the impressive abilities of this tiny seed, the plant is actually an ancient crop; the Aztecs planted it as far back as 3500 B.C. as one of their main food sources. “The Aztecs used ground chia seeds in foods like tortillas and tamales, as an ingredient in beverages, in medicinal oils, and in religious ceremonies,” explains Kimszal. “The long shelf life made chia a good food to carry on long trips, giving people energy on the go.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“Chia seeds are a good source of protein and an excellent source of fiber, two nutrients that work together to help keep you fuller for longer.”[/pullquote]
Chia remained a staple in Mexican and South American culture for centuries before they were taking over home gardens and adorning terracotta heads in the 1980s. Around the 1990s, American and South American scientists, nutritionists, and agriculturalists started looking at the chia seed for its health benefits and began treating it as a nutritional food crop to add to people’s diets, explains Kimszal.

The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

We asked experts to share some of the science-backed benefits of chia seeds that deserve our attention.

They’re chock-full of protein and fiber.

You may have heard that chia seeds are a hunger suppressant. While there have been no scientific studies to back up this claim, experts say that the theory can be explained.
“Chia seeds are a good source of protein (4 grams per 1 ounce serving) and an excellent source of fiber (11 grams per 1 ounce serving), two nutrients that work together to help keep you fuller for longer,” says Amy Gorin, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. “Another reason that chia seeds are filling is because they offer a lot of volume when they expand in liquid to form a gel.” This is what makes them a great ingredient in desserts and breakfasts.

They’re a hydration helper.

Approximately 43 percent of Americans drink less than four cups of water a day, which is four less than the recommended amount, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While consuming water the old-fashioned way is best to ensure you’re getting your eight or more cups a day, you can also consume water-rich foods, like chia seeds, which can absorb 10 times their weight in liquid.
“This means that when you eat the hydrated seeds in a pudding or gel, you’re also getting the water along with it,” says Frances Largeman-Roth, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Eating in Color: Delicious, Healthy Recipes for You and Your Family. “This makes chia seeds a great way to stay hydrated, especially when you don’t want to drink a lot of liquids, like before a race or before going to bed.”

They’re packed with calcium.

Chia seeds provide 179 mg of calcium in a mere one-ounce serving, which is more than half the amount in an entire glass of milk! “Calcium is needed to help strengthen bones, improve our blood circulation, and keep our muscles contracting and heart beating,” explains Kimszal. “Just one-third cup of chia provides 18 percent of your daily calcium needs, which is important for people who are vegan or lactose-intolerant and might not be getting their fair share.”

They can help athletes decrease their sugar intake.

One study published in The Journal of Strength & Conditioning found that chia loading before endurance events over 90 minutes had the same performance outcomes as carbohydrate loading, which means chia seeds might offer a viable option for athletes to decrease their sugar intake while upping their omega-3s and seeing similar results.
“By consuming chia seeds, athletes are also getting the benefits of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant form of omega-3,” explains Largeman-Roth. “ALA contains anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits, which help not only athletes, but normally active individuals too.”

Are chia seeds a superfood?

There are no nutritional requirements set by the FDA for a food to be considered “super,” however, there’s no denying that chia seeds fit the common description. “When people think of superfoods, they think of foods that are a good source of many nutrients that are important and essential in our diets, which chia seeds are,” says Julie Andrews, registered dietitian and chef. “Chia seeds are packed with nutrients like omega-3s—and not many plant foods have omega-3 fatty acids—and fiber, which are both very important for maintaining a healthy heart, and fiber is important for digestive health, as well as protein, which builds and repairs tissues in our body.”
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Additionally, as we mentioned, chia seeds contain calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones. Because of this laundry list of nutrients that chia seeds contain, there’s no reason not to consider them a superfood.

Who are chia seeds good for?

One of the best things about chia seeds is that they’re really ideal for almost anyone, especially since they’re uncommon as an allergen. However, Roger E. Adams, PhD, Houston-based dietitian, nutritionist, and founder of Eat Right Fitness, points out that there are some side effects of chia that must be considered while pregnant. “While specific research into chia and pregnancy is scant, pregnant women should carefully monitor how much they have (probably well under two tablespoons per day) and keep a check on their blood pressure throughout their pregnancy,” he adds.
[pullquote align=”center”]“If someone is eating a low-fiber diet, they will not be able to handle much chia in the beginning without experiencing gastrointestinal issues.”[/pullquote]
Like anything else, munch on chia seeds in moderation, as too much chia can lead to drops in blood pressure that may be dangerous, especially during pregnancy. Chia seeds also might increase the risk of bleeding in pregnant women. “Both of these are primarily due to chia’s concentrated source of omega-3,” explains Adams. Additionally, as with any high-fiber food, he adds that the risk of nutrient malabsorption must be considered when consuming chia, as high amounts of fiber at one time may prevent certain nutrients, mainly iron and calcium, from being absorbed.
Adams recommends eating no more than 1.5 to 2 tablespoons a day, however, this suggestion may change depending on an individual’s size and existing diet. “If someone is eating a low-fiber diet, they will not be able to handle much chia in the beginning without experiencing gastrointestinal issues,” he says. He suggests that beginners start slow and spread out their intake throughout the day.

How to Incorporate Chia Seeds Into Your Diet

Since chia seeds are gluten-, nut-, and dairy-free, they’re incredibly easy to incorporate into almost any food philosophy. You can also consume them raw or cooked. “When consumed raw, the chia retains all of its omega-3, and you reap more benefits from it; however, the protein in raw chia is not as bioavailable so may be poorly digested and absorbed,” says Adams. He recommends using both raw and toasted cooking methods to reap the most nutritional benefits. However, if gastrointestinal issues are a concern, then toasting should be your primary option.
When purchasing chia seeds on your own, choosing organic versus conventional is not super important, as Andrews says that the seeds are pretty much the same. Still, many people choose organic versions just to be safe. You can buy them online or at the grocery store. “Oftentimes grocery stores have chia seeds in the bulk section, and those tend to be cheaper, plus you can choose how much you want to buy,” adds Andrews. But remember, a little goes a long way as far as nutrition is concerned.
Due to the impressive health benefits of chia seeds, many health-conscious recipes that contain these little nutrient powerhouses are available online. Some of Andrews’ favorites include overnight oats, chia seed pudding, and chia seed jam.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

Makeup Brushes That Are Actually Eco-Friendly

“No doubt, we are living in one of the best times in history, with so much information and knowledge available at our disposal,” says Danielle Schleese, vegan makeup artist and Youtube vlogger. “The spread of information about cruelty-free products can be used as a powerful tool to raise awareness on issues that affect our global evolution.” Schleese goes on to note that it remains up to the consumer to decide what information to expose themselves to and what choices to make when it comes to going eco-friendly and cruelty-free—especially when it comes to cosmetics and makeup brushes.
Many of us associate this kind of conscious consumerism with veganism and especially what people eat. And yes, there’s a good reason more and more Americans are moving toward a vegan lifestyle according to a report prepared by the research company GlobalData. Veganism is definitely trendy, but people are also realizing that ethical purchases and sustainable lifestyles choices can have a major influence on our furry friends and on the environment regardless of what we’re putting on our plates. Though GlobalData’s report focused primarily on the culinary world, this mentality has made its way onto the beauty scene, with more and more brands creating vegan, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products.
Specifically, we’ve seen an increase in the use of synthetic makeup brushes in place of the animal-hair brushes that have long been deemed “the best of the best.” Case in point: Big-name brand MAC announced earlier this year that their makeup brushes have are now 100 percent synthetic.  This is exciting news for consumers and makeup artists who’ve been on the hunt for eco-friendly makeup brushes for years.

Does synthetic mean sacrificing quality?

The use of synthetic materials is key when it comes to choosing eco-friendly makeup brushes, but a brand’s cruelty-free and eco-friendly qualities are not the only factors to consider. You want to make sure the brush you’re buying is high quality too! Anything you’re spending your hard-earned money on shouldn’t shed (a hairy face is probably not the look you’re going for), should be held in place by a solid metal base (known as the “ferrule”) that won’t easily fly off the handle (aka become detached), and, most importantly, should do the job of effectively applying your makeup.
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To help educate you on the true meaning behind eco-friendly and cruelty-free, and what you need to know before purchasing a makeup brush that claims to be both, we turned to experts who explain how it all works.

What puts the “friendly” in eco-friendly makeup brushes?

When most of us think about the term “eco-friendly,” we think about a product that’s not harmful to the earth or the environment. But when it comes to the makeup industry, it can actually go far beyond that. Cruelty-free is the name of the game, but some cult fave cosmetics companies still aren’t on board with banning animal testing.
Millions of animals are used in research and toxicity testing for some of the most commonly used beauty products we hold so dear to our get-ready regimen. What’s worse is that research published in a 2014 report from the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, “Review of Evidence of Environmental Impacts of Animal Research and Testing,” suggests that the use and disposal of these animals contributes to pollution in addition to adversely impacting biodiversity and public health.
Additional reports from the National Institutes of Health’s Division of Intramural Research Laboratories found that labs that use animals for research produced over 1.5 million pounds of animal bedding, feces, and excess food waste. These large amounts of animal waste are as detrimental to our environment as the waste we create as humans. Additionally, the millions of discarded animal carcasses—many of which have been contaminated with a myriad of different chemicals, viruses, and diseases—can lead to an array of biological hazards. The same is true for laboratories that incinerate the animals after use—the toxic emissions are still released into the environment.
But a beauty product—like a makeup brush—can be cruelty-free without being animal-free. That means that while a company may not test on animals, they could still use hair or fur from an animal for the brush’s bristles: “Many of the soft and plush makeup brushes on the market are made with animal hair (squirrel, boar, fox, horse, etc,),” explains Annie Tevelin, beauty expert and founder of natural, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free skincare line SkinOwl.
Though animal testing and cruelty are huge issues in the cosmetics industry, parts and packaging are also a big part of the problem. When brush handles and parts are not recyclable, they wind up landfills, which pile up year after year. Thankfully, more and more companies are turning toward using recyclable materials. Some, like EcoTools, are even using 100 percent tree-free paper for their packaging by swapping paper out for 20 percent cotton and 80 percent bamboo fibers.
Ready to hop on the eco-friendly and cruelty-free bandwagon? Here are some of the best “friendly” makeup brushes the market has to offer.

EcoTools

This PETA-certified brush company pretty much takes the cake when it comes to being environmentally aware in all aspects of production and creation. They use recycled materials such as aluminum and plastic, their packaging is made of 100 percent tree-free paper, with 20 percent cotton and 80 percent bamboo fibers, and their handles are made from renewable bamboo.
“They are great for the average daily use and maintain their form and shape if treated properly,” says Schleese. In her experience, she’s never had any problems with EcoTools brushes shedding, although she has experienced the head separating from the handle. “If this happens, it’s so easy to glue back on,” she adds. “These brushes are great quality for a great price, lasting for two-plus years. They are also good for travel because the handles are a bit shorter than standard brushes.”
[products ids=’1005905,1005907,1005909′ type=full]

Bdellium Tools

This is another vegan, eco-friendly brand that Schleese loves—especially for the price point. Full sets range in size and price from $30.99 to $129.99 on Amazon.
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“They feature eco-friendly green bamboo handles and vegan bristles with an anodized aluminum ferrule,” she says. “They are often compared to professional grade since they don’t shed, hardly ever fall apart, and offer a wide range of brush types—ideal for someone looking for more styles.”
[products ids=’1005912,1005916,1005918′ type=full]

INIKA

This Australian-owned company has gained clout in the beauty industry over the last decade for their organic, natural makeup and their vegan and cruelty-free products. Not only are their products made from natural ingredients and not tested on animals, but they’re certified organic by the Organic Food Chain, Australia’s National Organic Standard, which is a major deal since this is one of the highest standards set for organic cosmetic companies in the world.
They’re kind to the environment too; their brushes’ handles are made from sustainably sourced wood.
[products ids=’1005925,1005924,1005920′ type=full]

100% Pure

This vegan, cruelty-free makeup, skincare, and brush line is fully committed to producing the purest products in all aspects. The colors in their makeup are sourced from a vibrant combination of fruit, vegetable, tea, and other plant pigments instead of harmful dyes that contain lead, mercury, and other dangerous heavy metals, and they also utilize a Natural Definition Process (NDP) adopted from the USDA process for identifying natural versus synthetic ingredients.
100% Pure is also committed to being eco-friendly in all areas, from developing their products using biodegradable formulas to using recyclable packaging and biodegradable packing materials. They even print using non-toxic and soy inks and work out of a headquarters that is 100 percent solar-powered. Pretty impressive all around!
[products ids=’1005927,1005932,1005930′ type=full]

M.O.T.D. Cosmetics

This luxe vegan makeup brush line hovers at a higher price point but is worth checking out for multiple reasons. Of course they’re both vegan and cruelty-free and PETA certified. The brushes are made out of Taklon, a high-grade synthetic polyester fiber that’s just as soft as, if not softer than, real animal hair.
“The ferrule (the part that holds the bristles) does not shed, nor come off since my two-and-a-half years of owning them,” says Schleese. “The only thing is their handle is not made from recycled materials, or from natural bamboo-like materials, which is worth noting.” All brushes in their line are hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, so they’re ideal for people who are sensitive to allergens and irritants.
[products ids=’1005943,1005938,1005942′ type=full]

NVEY ECO

This environmentally conscious collection of cosmetics includes everything from eyeshadows and foundations to moisturizers and cleansers as well as a pretty sensational line of brushes. The brand has been around since 2005, making it one of the first eco-friendly brush lines.
None of NVEY ECO’s products are tested on animals and are all developed without the use of chemical ingredients such as parabens, petrochemicals, or synthetic fragrances. NVEY ECO’s products also qualify as industrially compostable (aka capable of naturally disintegrating without leaving a mark of toxicity). What’s also enviable about NVEY ECO’s brushes is that they don’t shed. True to their moderate-to-high price range, they are long-lasting, soft, and blend easily.
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