What is a GMO?
GMO stands for “genetically modified organism.” This means a GMO is a plant or other organism that’s had its DNA modified for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons include: making crops able to withstand harsh conditions, yielding more produce from less land, and prolonging the shelf life of specific fruits and veggies.
There have been over 20 years of research performed on GMOs and almost all scientists and physicians agree that GMOs are safe for human consumption. Moreover, some professionals even argue that genetic modification could be safer than traditional farming methods, because without GM seeds, farmers would be forced to use more toxic pesticides to produce an adequate amount of crops.
Are GMO foods dangerous to my health?
Given that GMOs are safe, why is the “non-GMO” label on the packages of so many different food products? In short, it’s often used as a marketing tactic. With an uneducated public, many companies capitalize on consumer-fear and desire for healthy foods. Think about it like this: there are table salts that claim to be “non-GMO.” Salt doesn’t have genes. Yep, you heard me right — salt literally can’t be a GMO because it has no genes to modify. Surprisingly, there’s still that pesky little label at the bottom of the package. The USDA has proposed requiring companies to include the term “bioengineered” on the labels of genetically modified food products. To emphasize, there are no real health risk of consuming GMOs, but this label would give customers more transparency about the origin of their food.
Common myths and facts about GMO’s
Myth: GMOs are too new for us to determine if they are safe.
Scientists have been researching GMO foods for 20+ years and there are over 1,700 published studies that have found that they are safe for human consumption.
Myth: GMOs cause gluten-intolerance.
There have been no found cases of GMO consumption causing illness. GMO foods do not cause celiac disease or gluten-intolerance.
Myth: Genetic modification makes food less nutritious.
Not at all! GM crops and non-GM crops have the same nutritional value. Genetic modification can even remove some naturally-occurring toxins.
Klara Knezevic has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor of Cooking with Food Sensitivities Survival Guide and Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.
