Genetically modified foods have been an issue of disagreement and dispute in the modern era. These tremendous alterations that scientists are nurturing form particular beneficial qualities that would otherwise never occur in nature. While genetically modified foods are designed to secure food sources, they may actually produce dangerous consequences and effects to your health.
What are GMO Foods?
Genetically modified foods refer to harvest plants that are developed for human or animal ingestion using modern molecular biology techniques. Within the laboratory, these plants are transformed to augment resistance to herbicides or expand nutritional content. Due to the rising population, producing a sufficient quantity of food may be a great struggle in the future years. Proponents of GMO foods demonstrate reasons why this problem will be less of a concern including the advantages of pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, drought tolerance/salinity tolerance and preventing malnutrition. Current research also includes developing edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes.
The Effects of GMO on Human Health
According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine in 2009, "Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with genetically modified food," including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system." The AAEM has even tried to get physicians to inform their patients on the dangers of GMO foods. Increasing evidence of GMO foods being harmful to your body includes allergic reaction, including in foods that were previously not linked to allergies; liver problems, reproductive problems and infant mortality, GMO crops are also linked to sterility, disease and even death.
Avoiding GMO Foods
The amount of GMO foods are continually increasing, making if more and more difficult to completely avoid them. Many of the base food products we use are genetically modified, such as those with soy or corn derivatives, cottonseed and canola oil, and sugar from GM sugar beets. Unless it says organic or "non-GMO," these products have likely been scientifically altered. Purchasing all-natural foods from places such as local farmers markets, growing your own fruits and vegetables or finding organically grown and non-GMO labeled products can help to reduce your intake of GMO foods. The Institute of Responsible Technology and the Center for Food Safety has also co-produced a Non-GMO Shopping Guide, and is available as a download.
Foods that are Genetically Modified
The majority of foods on the market today have been genetically modified in some form. Soy sauce, frozen pizza, canned soups, baby formula, dry cereal, cookies, frozen dinners, popcorn, corn, meat and dairy products, have all been produced using ingredients that are genetically modified. To protect your current and future health, shop for organic selections of soy and corn based products, and purchase only hormone and antibiotic-free meat and dairy foods. If you don't have nearby access to fresh, organic or foods that are not genetically modified, do what you can to have your local health food store stock them.
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