Missouri's soybean factory farmers are about to harvest the largest soybean crop in history. The reason for the probable record high yields is, according to this article, "good weather and more farmers using genetically-modified seeds." Higher yields mean higher profits, but not without unintended consequences. These profits come at the expense of the long-term negative impact that conventional farming along with genetically modified crops have on human health, the local ecology and ultimately the planet. According to this article, more than 90 percent of soybeans are genetically-modified and "many things are made with (GMO) soybeans including beer, bread, biofuel, cosmetics and pet food." This is precisely the problem with soybeans and why soy gets such bad reputation as being a food that causes many health problems including allergies.

These modern biotech genetically modified soybeans hardly reflect the soybeans that have been consumed for thousands of years as part of the traditional Asian diet. Genetic modification can only take place in labs by scientist whose goals are mainly to create a version of a food that will withstand pests and plant diseases without any regard or consideration for human health.

Shockingly, eighty percent of all fats and oils consumed in the U.S. are made from soybeans. Some of these manufactured oils contain trans fats. The consumption of genetically modified soybeans is widespread, and most people don't even suspect this because, number one, GMO products don't require labels, and two, soybeans and soybean products including isolated soy protein and soybean oil are commonly found as ingredients in foods and beverages just like high fructose corn syrup is. It's hard to find packaged foods that don't contain soybeans, soybean oil or isolated soybean protein. And unless it's organic, it means it's definitely conventional and genetically modified.

The solution: Stick to organic foods and stay away from packaged processed foods. Make you meals from scratch using locally grown organic ingredients.