Genetically modified organisms (GMO) is a blanket term that refers to any animal, plant, or microbe that has undergone DNA alteration using genetic engineering, and they are not ‘bad’ for you.
Approved genetically altered foods are simply not ‘bad’ for you. Many GMO foods have been enhanced in their nutritional value, some were even made to taste better, have longer shelf-life, be pest-resistant and even look better.
Some popular GMO foods are soybean, canola, potatoes, eggplant, strawberries, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, cantaloupe, carrots, apples, and Sugarcane (insect-resistant varieties).
Here’s a list of 10 proven advantages of using GMO products:
1. Increased crop yield
GMO crops are engineered to resist pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, leading to higher yields per acre.
2. Enhanced nutritional value
Some GMO crops are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to improve their nutritional content.
3. Reduced pesticide use
GMO crops engineered to resist pests require fewer chemical pesticides, which can lower environmental impact and exposure risks.
4. Improved shelf life
GMO crops can be modified to have a longer shelf life, reducing food waste.
5. Enhanced flavour and quality
GMO technology can be used to improve the taste, texture, and appearance of certain foods.
6. Environmental sustainability
GMO crops engineered for drought resistance or nitrogen fixation can reduce the need for irrigation and synthetic fertilizers, conserving water and soil health.
7. Lower production costs
Increased crop yields and reduced need for pesticides can lower production costs for farmers.
8. Expanded agricultural possibilities
GMO technology can enable the cultivation of crops in regions where traditional farming methods are not feasible due to environmental constraints.
9. Resistance to diseases
GMO crops can be engineered to resist specific diseases, protecting yields and ensuring food security.
10. Contribution to food security
GMO crops have the potential to help feed a growing global population by increasing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
Even with these advantages, the popularisation of signs that say ‘Non-GMO’ or ‘GMO-Free’ on food labels has led the public to believe that there is something to fear. You even find these labels on things like salt, which does not have DNA so it cannot be ‘genetically modified’
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Genetically modified foods currently available on the international market have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved.”
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) also agrees with WHO that GMO food’s safety for human ingestion is a concern.
Any data supporting the notion that GMO foods can alter your DNA has been debunked. There has been no credible scientific evidence to back this claim to date.
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