What Are GMO Foods, and Why We Should Avoid Them
These genetically modified organisms are created with the ability to survive, despite the use of chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides. While GMO foods do not offer farmers increased yield or drought tolerance, and do not offer the consumer increased nutrition, there is evidence supporting the fact that GMOs not only lead to health problems, but to environmental damage as well.
Controversy surrounds GMOs in the food industry, as a high percent of the population believes that non-GMO foods should be labeled as such, but food companies do not necessarily want to provide that information to consumers. While many food companies are recreating their products to be GMO-free, some companies are sticking to their original recipes. Foods that are sold with the "Non-GMO Project Verified seal" are legally GMO-free. Some common household foods that still contain GMOs are many breakfast cereals, baking mixes, chips, and protein bars.
People who continue to support using GMOs in foods claim that we have been eating foods with GMOs for over a decade without proof that they pose a health risk. However, saying there is no proof that they cause a health risk also does not provide proof that they are safe. The amount of time that GMOs have been used in food has not been long enough to link them to long-term health conditions.
Studies suggest that the use of GMOs give a greater potential of introducing new toxins and allergens to our food supply, or even just increasing the current levels of these harmful bacteria. GMOs may also cause foods to have an altered nutritional profile, which consumers may not be aware of. While some other countries have already become strict on laws against GMOs, the Food and Drug Administration does not yet require safety assessments of crops that have been genetically engineered.
Studies that have been performed on animals show that GMOs may, in fact, pose serious health risks. For example, there is evidence that GMOs are harmful to the immune system, kidneys, and the liver. If GMO foods were required to be labeled as such, researchers would be able to further investigate their effects on human health. Unless foods are specifically labeled, doctors will not be able to tell what their sick patients include in their diets and how rich their diets are in GMOs.
As of today, most corn, canola, soy, and sugar beets that are grown in America are genetically engineered. Furthermore, these ingredients are often used in processed foods. The process of genetic engineering is not slowing down, either. For example, there is a new type of genetically altered salmon that grows to maturity in double the time of wild salmon.
When it comes to the environment, most GMOs that are grown are engineered to withstand herbicides. This results in the use of toxic chemicals in products on our crops. These chemicals then make it into our grocery stores and into our kitchens as they are on our produce. GMOs are also responsible for creating "super bugs" and "super weeds," which are only able to be combated with stronger toxic poisons. GMOs are extending chemical agriculture, which is urging chemical companies to develop and sell GMOs, so their products are then purchased as well. While the long-term effects of GMOs on the environment are not known, it is known that once they are released into the environment, they cannot be taken back.
For people who are passionate about their health and the health of the environment, it is important to look for foods that are labeled to be free of GMOs. Vote with your dollar while this debate continues over GMOs in our country.
About the Author
Dr. Donna Sergi is a leading Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner and Chiropractor in the Brooklyn NY area. Learn more about holistic healing by visiting her website at: http://www.healthieruny.com
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