A healthy world deserves so much better food
The current discussion on GMO (genetic modified organism) is something that involves us all. Particularly in view of the possible TTIP agreement between the EU and the US, which appears to open wide the door to genetically developed products in Europe.
Genetic modification means the targeted manipulation of genes (DNA structure) of an organism by humans, with the aim of altering the properties, for example, so that it is more resistant to diseases, has a longer shelf life or can withstand drought better for a larger harvest yield.
The development of these GMO products has gained momentum because it offers manufacturers the opportunity to make more money. I am also aware of the fact that by 2050 food production must increase by 60 to 70 percent in order to feed the growing world population.
Dilemma around food and global population growth
It is a major dilemma - in order to produce food on a large scale we have unfortunately become dependent or in thrall to modern agriculture. Several independent studies however show unequivocally that consuming genetically manufactured food causes serious damage to health in the long run. My view on preventive health is partly motivated by the non-functioning European agricultural policy.
Because what is actually the daily reality?
Agricultural land has been impoverished for too long. The ground is continuously over-worked. In addition, too much working takes place with genetically modified agricultural poison and there is forced propagation in greenhouses. Fortunately, more and more people and countries are becoming aware of the dangers of GMO. Countries like China, Russia, England, Germany and Japan oppose it.
The only country that really uses an extreme amount of GMO’s is America. In that respect, we are still lucky in the EU. For the time being the EU has restricted the use of GMO’s. In contrast to the USA, for example, you can still obtain GMO-free products.
We simply do not eat healthily!
When I speak to people daily about their dietary pattern the majority think they eat healthily. Unfortunately however this is a joke. Do you sometimes eat taco’s, muesli, pasta sauces, tomatoes, corn or soya?
Then you eat GMO’s. I am also in favour of correctly labelling products that have been GMO processed. The vegetables contain almost no vitamins and minerals these days and this is after all something that is very necessary.
We once had the idea of spraying poison on our crops to protect against fungi and pests. This eliminates the ability of crops to protect themselves against these influences. The substances that protect the plants, but also us, against these influences are called salvestrols. These have drastically decreased in recent years.
Our body needs essential nutrients
As a consumer, we simply lack too many essential nutrients for a correct balance. All body cells need additional substances to function optimally. A necessary supplement that forms a counterbalance and contributes to a healthy life for every consumer. I think we should be aware that we have to return to the basis of good micro-nutrients.
We see the dangers of a body with a shortage of vital building blocks. Because what are the optimal values that should be in your body? The current reality is that we as consumers have a serious deficiency here. Unfortunately this is underestimated by the regular healthcare institutions. In our opinion, the government will also have to take a more leading role in this.
Our daily food is ultimately no longer sufficient for optimal nutrients
Because although as consumers we think we eat healthily, this is not the case, as described earlier. Our daily diet lacks too many significant substances. Ultimately this process leads to structural shortages of sufficient vitamins from regular food. Medication use also has a negative impact on the absorption of micro-nutrients.
Micro-nutrients such as vitamin B are already much less effective when using a simple antacid. This applies to almost all medicines. However, doctors are not very aware of this. In the Netherlands there are hundreds of thousands of people taking statins. This medication inhibits the production of Q10. Many muscle complaints and heart problems may be related to this.
There are many more examples like this. My experience in the last 35 years is that it is beneficial to supplement with dietary supplements.
But the right ones, with substances recognisable to the body. In the future we will learn increasingly more about the effect of micro-nutrients on our body, but also the deficiencies that this causes in the long term.
Paul Gebbink, Founder Beyuna