Ok, I talk about nutrition a lot and if you read my blogs or newsletters at all, you are very well aware that nutrition is the foundation of health in my world. Choosing the highest quality, one-ingredient foods that agree with your metabolic makeup and creating your own, specific fuel blend is what I am continually trying to get across as being the foundation your health is based on.
When I say choose the highest quality, one-ingredient foods – I mean organic, grass-fed and finished, pasture raised, wild caught – definitely avoiding meats from CAFO animals and certainly limiting conventionally grown produce if organic is available. I definitely urge totally avoiding genetically modified foods.
Well I read about this recently and it absolutely amazes me that anyone would even consider ingesting this, but I’m sure some people will think it’s a good thing. The FDA has announced that they are preparing to release a genetically modified product to shelves specifically for human consumption: GMO cotton. Yes that isn’t a typo – cotton. More specifically, cotton seeds. Recently, a team of researchers figured out a way to genetically modify this organism so that the seeds of the cotton plant can be “safely” consumed by humans and some animals. Evidently it is being recommended as an alternate source of protein and fiber to poor and malnourished people.
Besides the fact that long term effects of GMOs is largely unknown, one of the components in cotton seeds, gossypol, is found to be an extremely effective contraceptive comparable to a vasectomy. However, the infertility induced by the substance is not reversible in around 50% of men. People ingesting these seeds may unintentionally be making themselves infertile!
Those developing this organism are suggesting it could help solve global malnutrition. While the primary use may be as animal feed, and it may not show up on grocery store shelves, poor and malnourished people are also being targeted. In my opinion there are too many risks to consider this a solution to world-wide hunger, when there are other non-genetically modified, high protein plants that are safe.
So, would you consider eating cotton?
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Am going to have to “Google” CAFO here Ms. Ann; but you piqued my interest with GMO cotton.Since I live in what I term “the cotton capital of Texas” (Delta County), I know several ranchers who feed or supplement their cattle with cottonseed. It is a source of protein, but in my opinion (more observation than science here), it seems to be no better than average quality hay. What I mean by this is that it serves as a “filler” more than a growth source (i.e. it’ll make your cow’s tummy feel full, but it doesn’t translate to energy or significant weight gain.) Of course, lots of variables go into gaining cattle, but cottonseed hasn’t impressed me much yet. I’ll be watching this new GMO cotton though to see if things have improved. Still, I’m not sure I want to chew on cottonseed. Of course, I said the same thing about sunflower seeds fifty years ago. 🙂
So when we run a gain program for calves/yearlings, we’re operating a CAFO? I love learning new things my friend. Who would have expected to learn cattle ranching from a NY nutritionist. I’ll done seen about everything! 😀 God’s blessings ma’am; I love learning from you.
Oh J.D. I know nothing about cattle ranching and I’m grateful and humbled by your openness to what I share. While cottonseed may be an acceptable “filler” for cattle, my concern is that many genetically modified foods are being introduced to the public and often without clearly stating that they are genetically modified. Personally, I don’t feel we can improve on how God created our food to be. If He didn’t modify it I don’t see why it needs modification! Also when I specify CAFO it is to distinguish it from meat that comes from grass-fed and finished animals.
Unbelievable!
Might I suggest the insane notion that we can feed the world without GMOs and feeding them cotton? Sometimes I really wonder about people. I mean, I admire that people are trying to find a way to feed people. But at the same time it seems like a lot of money is being wasted when there are much more simple, health, and inexpensive solutions that already exist. And might I also suggest the crazy idea that the real issues have very little to do with the actual food?
In Brene Brown’s most recent book, Dare to Lead, she repeats the phrase, “people, people, people.” I’m just going to go ahead and use that right here. People, people, people. 🤷🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
I always look forward to reading your posts, Ann.
Not insane at all – common sense and yet it seems to be in very great demand these days! As always, Holly, you are spot on.
Yes, we live in interesting times.
Ann, I always learn a lot from you. I had not heard of eating cotton seeds. Don’t they use cotton seed oil in some prepared food? I wonder if it has the same ill effects. I try to avoid it.
Yes Debbie you are right about that. Cottonseed oil is used in some foods and it is not good for you. It does have many of the same ill effects. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.