Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created through biotechnology to alter the genes of plants, animals or bacteria. These modifications can be done to enhance flavor and texture as well as boost nutritional value.
GMOs are a cause for concern among many due to the potential allergies they could cause and their adverse impact on the environment. Furthermore, they cross-pollinate, producing herbicide-resistant weeds which could pose a threat to other crops as well as wild plants.
Potatoes
Genetically modified (GM) foods are often genetically engineered to make them resistant to certain pests and diseases, or herbicides. These changes help farmers grow more food while decreasing their reliance on hazardous chemicals.
This could result in antibiotic resistance developing among animals and people who consume them.
Additionally, small fragments of DNA from GMO foods may survive in your gut and weaken your immune system; however, this is extremely rare and most times the DNA is destroyed through cooking.
Despite these health warnings, the FDA and World Health Organization declare that current GM foods are safe to eat. Indeed, many scientists believe the safety and health effects of GM foods to be comparable to those experienced with non-GMO options.
Papaya
Genetically modified crops (GM crops) can be advantageous to farmers as they make plants more nutritious or resistant to diseases, pests and herbicides. Furthermore, GM crops reduce the need for chemical weed control methods, saving farmers money while helping preserve food supplies.
The main concern with GMO foods is their potential detrimental effect on health, particularly for people with certain medical conditions. This is because certain genes from GMO crops may render bacteria resistant to antibiotics, leading to serious infections.
Thankfully, most genes found in GMO foods can be destroyed when cooked or broken down before entering your digestive system. However, there remains a small chance some may remain intact after consumption, leading some to believe eating GMO food increases one’s risk for getting sick or developing allergies.
Alfalfa
Genetically modified foods and ingredients offer a number of advantages to humans. For instance, some genetically modified crops make growing food easier while protecting soil from pests.
However, it’s essential to remember that not all GMO crops are created equal. While some GM crops may provide greater nutritional benefits than their non-GMO counterparts, others could potentially have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.
For example, there are some GM foods proven to improve human health and quality of life such as salmon with added antioxidants (AquAdvantage(r)), soybeans with increased fiber, or sugarcane with Bt insect resistance. Many of these items already make up part of the GMO food list: alfalfa, apple (ArcticTM), canola, corn, cotton, eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties), papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties), pineapple (pink flesh varieties) and potato.
Corn
Corn is versatile; you can eat it as a snack, with meals or even in dessert! Plus, it’s packed full of fiber, potassium and magnesium for added nutritional benefits.
If you want to avoid eating genetically modified corn, look for products with the USDA Certified Organic label. This assures you the product was not grown using GMO biotechnology and thus safe to eat.
The FDA has a list of approved GM crops, such as soybeans, field and sweet corn, canola, cotton (used for cottonseed oil production), alfalfa, sugar beets, summer squash papaya apples pink pineapples and potatoes.
GMO crops have been developed with the purpose of being more resistant to pests and disease, drought-tolerant, and needing fewer pesticides. Unfortunately, some people worry about the effect GMOs will have on our health and environment; some fear GM crops could lead to negative health outcomes such as cancer or obesity.
