What is a GMO?
It’s one of the most common buzz words in today’s debate about what constitutes healthy food. But many people don’t even know what it stands for, let alone what it means.
GMO stands for a genetically modified organism. It’s what happens when science and nature combine to form new organisms. And it’s important that you educate yourself about GMOs so you can be a part of the hottest food debate since sliced bread.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into GMO foods pros and cons.
GMO Pros
The next time you eat a seedless grape, remember that it wasn’t made that way by nature. People bred them that way to make them more appealing. In the same way, scientists often modify foods to produce deeper colors, better taste, or longer shelf lives.
Not only do these foods look and taste better, but GMO crops often have higher nutrient values. Many GMO foods provide more calcium, protein, or folate than natural foods.
GMOs are often hardier than their natural cousins. They withstand larger temperature swings to grow in harsher climates. They also give a higher yield, to make the most out of available farmland in an area.
Also, GMOs resist insects, herbicides, and diseases. And this resistance means higher yields and more food.
All of these factors are important because of the global food shortage. Since they often have a longer shelf life, GMO foods are easier to transport to remote areas. And people can store them longer once they reach their destination.
GMO Cons
A common problem that farmers face worldwide is how to keep pests and disease out of crops. Powerful chemical herbicides and pesticides have been the go-to product to keep crops healthy. Before genetic modification, these chemicals often harmed the plants they intended to protect.
But GMOs resist these herbicides. And because of this, more farmers use powerful chemicals to keep away weeds and insects.
Along with the increase in chemical usage, comes an increase in cancer and other health issues. For example, the Driscoll Firm P.C. offers legal help to people who developed cancer because of Roundup herbicide exposure. Roundup has been one of the most common herbicides used in the U.S. for decades.
There is historical evidence of allergic reactions caused by GMO foods. Scientists use proteins from other plants to modify the seeds of common foods like corn, soybeans, and potatoes.
These proteins often come from foods like tree nuts or Brazil nuts. People who eat the GMOs may have reactions because of the nut proteins in the foods.
Many people also believe that GMO foods aid in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They’re made with antibiotic-resistant genes. These genes may contribute to the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Educate Yourself – Know the GMO Foods Pros and Cons
It’s important to know the GMO foods pros and cons so you can make the best food choices.
For the most part, GMOs are considered healthy foods. They offer farmers more flexibility in how and where they grow crops. And they deliver nutrient-rich foods to impoverished areas of the world.
But if you’re concerned about allergic reactions or chemical exposure, you may want to steer clear. These claims against GMOs haven’t been proven by research yet, but many people still have concerns.
Looking for more healthy food pros and cons? Check out our health section for more articles!