GMOs in Your Food: The Facts You Need to Know
If you’ve paid even a little attention to food industry news, you know there’s huge concern over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in our food supply. It’s estimated that more than half of America’s processed grocery products contain gene-altered ingredients. Since at least the 1990’s we’ve been consuming genetically modified enzymes primarily in breads, cheeses, sodas, and beers. Today, the primary genetically modified (GM) food crops are corn, soybeans, and potatoes.
What does all of this really mean? Is there a real threat to health? Won’t GM crops help us feed a planet with dwindling resources? It’s easy to get confused by arguments from both sides of the proverbial fence. Here’s a basic, 5-point primer on GM foods to help you become a more informed consumer.
GE or GMO: What’s the Difference?
“Genetically Engineered” (GE) and GMO are used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Confusion arises because the USDA defines a GMO as an organism produced through any type of genetic modification.
Genetically engineering food is different from the way plant breeders make selections for plant traits between two cultivars. When a plant breeder selects a trait like disease resistance found in one plant and uses that trait to enhance another plant, that creates a hybrid. In this case, the plant breeder has encouraged the same kind of selections that might occur in nature.
A GE crop is one in which a single gene or combinations of genes from one organism are artificially forced into the DNA of another organism (a crop). Essentially, the natural boundary between two species is broken in order to create a new life form with more desirable traits.
What are the Health Concerns of GMO Food?
GM foods do not undergo regulated testing in the United States. Much of what we know comes from independent scientists conducting animal studies. However, scientists and politicians in other countries believe the threat to health is real. GE/GM crop cultivation is now banned by 38 countries worldwide (28 in Europe).
Potential health effects include: introduction of new allergens into crops, bacteria in our guts picking up antibiotic-resistant genes found in many GM foods, toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, pancreas or reproductive system as shown in animal studies, and greater risks to children and fetuses because their digestive and neurological systems are not fully developed.
Why are food genetics being manipulated?
There are two primary traits that have been added to crops: herbicide tolerance, which lets the farmer spray weed-killer directly on the crop without killing it, and the ability of the plant to produce its own pesticide. These outcomes have no proven health benefit to humans. There is, however, economic benefit for biotech companies.
Stay Informed!
Becoming a more informed consumer is the first step toward making healthier food choices for yourself and your family. Talk with your naturopathic doctor about how GMOs and other food-related concerns may be affecting your health.
Book your free 20-minute discovery call today to get started on your path to optimal health.
