I know that title is a bit click-bait-y but it’s an honest question that should be asked.
When you see this box of Cheerios on grocery store shelves, you may think this is a healthier breakfast cereal than the more sugar-filled alternatives that are out there. While yes it does contain fewer grams of sugar, is it actually healthier? Let’s take a look.
Glyphosate is the key ingredient in a weed-killer called Roundup, manufactured and produced by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer). It is the most widely used pesticide in the United States. At first glance, killing weeds doesn’t seem terrible; however, since 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, has classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
How very disturbing, since there are over 250 million POUNDS of glyphosate that are sprayed on crops each year! Most of the glyphosate is primarily used on genetically modified corn and soy that has been engineered to withstand the powerful, (harmful) effects of glyphosate. Unsurprisingly, this herbicide is not just sprayed on crops – it’s found in our local parks, golf courses, and within our communities.
When the Environmental Working Group tested for glyphosate in cereal, marketed to children, such as Cheerios, they found extremely high levels of glyphosate in almost every sample tested. Below is a look at the levels found in various forms of snacks or cereal. The EWG has a children’s health benchmark of 160 ppb and as you can see the majority of products tested are well above that level.
It should also be important to note that Monsanto has repeatedly stated that glyphosate is safe (of course they have).
There have been numerous lawsuits against Monsanto due to individuals being exposed to Roundup over long periods of time and in turn developing serious illness and cancer.
“A jury in Oakland, California, has awarded a couple $2 billion in punitive damages after concluding that sustained exposure to Monsanto Co.’s popular Roundup weed killer led to their cancer diagnoses. The couple will receive an additional $55 million for pain and suffering and to cover medical expenses.” – Source
What really bothers me is that we know some foods and products are bad for us, but you may eat them anyway. McDonald’s or fast food. I don’t think anyone is under the assumption that a Big Mac is healthy for you. Cheerios and other products that are out on the market are advertised to us as being healthy and good for you, yet all the while, knowing that they are using a cancer-causing chemical on all of their food products. There is a lack of transparency on the quality of the food that is sold to us.
Consumers need products that are not just good for us but also just as important is the need for transparency so we can make our own decisions.
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