Genetically Modified Foods – Are They Safe?

There is a lot of controversy in relation to genetically modified foods. Corporations, the FDA, and their scientists assure us that they are safe to consume. That they have a greater nutritional value and less pesticide residue. Opponents are concerned about the long-term effects on humans and nature. Who are we to believe?

What Are Genetically Modified Foods?

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They are plants and seeds that have had their DNA changed to incorporate desirable traits into their genes. For example, there may be specific plant that has a gene that can withstand drought conditions. They take that characteristic and insert it into seeds so that they too will handle drought conditions.

Common Foods that are genetically modified:

Canola
Soybeans
Corn
Tomato
Potato
Rice
Sugar cane

These type of foods do not have to be labeled so consumers are not aware as to whether the food has been modified or not. It has been estimated that up to 75% of processed food contains a genetically modified food. Another reason to stay away from processed foods?

Stated Benefits of GM Foods

Help solve world hunger – Plants can be modified to withstand droughts or pest infestation. Places that have extreme conditions for agriculture can grow crops they couldn’t otherwise grow.

Provides foods with higher nutritional value – Crops can be manipulated to produce higher vitamin content.

Better for the environment – By modifying plants for pest control, farmers will use less chemicals and pesticides.

These all sound good, so what’s the problem?

Opponents of GM foods are concerned that:

There are very few studies on the long-term effects of GM foods on human and animal health.

We are messing with nature or playing God. We don’t know the long-term impact that these foods will down the road. Nature has been working just fine, so why would we attempt to manipulate it.

These foods aren’t labeled, so we don’t even have a choice in eating them.

Putting the food supply in a few corporations’ hands is dangerous. These genetically modified seeds are now being patented.

GM foods have the potential to increase allergic reactions in humans.

“Potentially, it could breed new animal and plant diseases, new sources of cancer, and novel epidemics” Dr. George Wald Nobel Laureate in Medicine 1967

What Can We Conclude From This?

Well, I personally eliminated most processed foods from my diet. There are too many chemicals, preservatives, unhealthy fats, and sugars that cause weight gain. Now we can add the potential for genetically modified foods to be added to the mix. If you’re concerned about health and weight control, I would advise you to steer clear of processed foods as well.

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I would like a choice as to whether I consume these foods so I support labeling of GM foods and products. For me, I am going to avoid genetically modified foods whenever possible until more studies are done. Better safe than sorry.

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