Nowadays, it seems like everywhere you go, you see foods advertised as non-GMO. Non-GMO is supposed to be a good thing, meaning GMOs are supposed to be a bad thing. But are they as bad as they are made out to be?
This article will explore the pros and cons of GMOs so you can determine how they will play out in your diet.
What are GMO’s?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It refers to the process of altering the genetics of plants. It has been done for years through the crossbreeding of crops, but today, it is more commonly done by editing plant DNA in a lab.
The GMO process is a complex one, but here’s a simplified version of what’s involved:
- Researchers identify the genes in a plant that cause specific traits.
- Researchers make copies of these genes in a lab.
- Researchers insert the gene copies into the DNA of another plant’s cells.
- The modified cells are used to grow new plants. The plants will be tested and reviewed before being sold to farmers.
Pros of GMOs
GMOs have gotten a bad rap, but they were designed to be extra healthy, fast growing, and extremely resistant to weather and pests. Here are some benefits they provide.
Fewer Pesticides: Many GMO crops have been modified to be less vulnerable to insects and other pests. These means farmers don’t have to use as many pesticides on these crops. Fewer pesticides mean fewer health risks and less damage to the environment.
Cheaper to Produce: GMO crops are bred for efficient growth. This means farmers can produce them using less land, less water and fewer pesticides as compared to conventional crops. They save on resources so they spend less and can charge less for the foods they sell.
More Nutrients: Certain GMO crops are designed to provide more nutrients than conventional crops. This can be especially useful in areas where people tend to suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
Cons of GMOs
Although GMOs have their share of benefits, they can also carry health risks as follows.
May Cause Allergic Reactions: GMO foods contain DNA from other organisms. It’s possible that the new DNA can trigger allergies in people who wouldn’t typically be allergic to the food. GMO foods go through extensive allergen testing so allergic reactions should not occur very often, but it is a possibility.
May Increase Antibiotic Resistance: When new DNA is inserted into plant cells, an additional gene is often added that makes the modified cells resistant to antibiotics. Scientists use an antibiotic to kill off plant cells that didn’t successfully take the DNA. However, studies have shown that these antibiotic genes don’t always go away once you digest GMO foods but can be passed through feces into sewage systems.
Some experts worry that that the genes can then be absorbed into harmful bacteria in the sewers or in your gut where they can cause serious antibiotic-resistant illnesses. Other scientists argue that this scenario is highly unlikely.
GMOs have their share of pros and cons. Although there are risks, the FDA and EPA tightly regulate measures to ensure they are safe for consumption. Do you include GMO foods in your diet?