Just as
acquiring chiropractic care is a wise way to avoid many needless surgeries or medicinal
treatments, avoiding genetically altered food in favor of organic varieties is
crucial to good nutrition and general wellness. Read below for more information
regarding genetically modified foods.
What is a genetically
modified organism?
A genetically modified
organism, which is also known as a GMO, is a process completed in a laboratory
in which genes are taken from one species and inserted into another. This process
is accomplished in an effort to transfer a desired characteristic or trait.
This process is often employed to create genetically modified foods.
Is the generic
engineering process precise?
As of right now, the
generic engineering process is crude. Accuracy is an issue when it comes to
inserting or transferring new genes. This is in large part due to a poor
understanding of how DNA works. Therefore, the possible reactions and side
effects pertaining to a person's health or the health of a plant species is
hard to predict.
Genetically engineered
foods commonly found on the market today:
The foods listed below are an example of some types of foods that are commonly
genetically modified.
Corn:
Bt-corn (Bacillus
thuringiensis bacterium) is a type of sweet corn that has been genetically
modified to include an insect-killing gene. According to the USDA, farmers in
every state of the US are currently growing at least some form of genetically
modified corn. However, South Dakota leads the pack as 47 percent of its corn
crops are of a genetically modified variety.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are a common
genetically modified food. In fact, they were the very first genetically
modified food to be produced for the general market. At first, they were
modified to increase their ability to withstand frost. They are currently being
altered to make them last longer.
Squash:
Since squash is more
susceptible to viral diseases than other crops, scientist genetically modified
it to ensure crop survival. Although this was successful, the plan backfired
when cucumber beetles began to feed on the GM squash. This eventually caused
the squash to wilt as the beetles carried bacteria from unhealthy plants onto
the GM squash. In addition, it is suspected that GM squash has now started
growing wild. This is a problem as GM foods should always be grown in
controlled environments. The consequences of GM foods becoming introduced into
wild plant species is unknown. However, many fear it could lead to
environmental issues such as an increase in bacterial diseases among plants.
What is wrong with GMO
foods?
In many cases, genetically modified foods have been altered for a good reason.
Whether it be to extend its shelf life or increase its taste or its nutritional
value. However, the unexpected consequences as was just discussed such as
environmental issues and the impact on the human body are impossible to
predict. Therefore, until further studies have been accomplished and all risks
are removed, consuming GMO food is unwise.
How does one avoid
eating GM foods?
Since GM foods are prevalent in today’s food market, it can be difficult for a
consumer to ensure they are not eating a GM food. Thankfully, following the
tips below will help consumers keep these products out of their diets:
- Look for the non-GMO seal: Foods with no genetic modification will have a seal
showcasing the fact that it is non-GMO. Dairy products may contain the
label “No rBGH or rBST” or “artificial hormone-free.”
- Buy organic foods: Foods that are certified organic cannot contain any GMO ingredients. Look for products with the label 100 percent organic or made with organic ingredients.
- Avoid risky foods: If there is no label that specifies if a product is indeed organic or not, be leery of the most commonly genetically altered foods and ingredients, which are Hawaiian Papaya, sugar beets, cottonseed, canola, soybeans, corn and some yellow squash and zucchini.
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