Non-GMO Foods

Non-GMO Foods Only, Please!

Non-GMO foods are defined and some arguments of the benefits of GMO are also presented.

The labels on some foods now carry the badge proudly declaring its contents to be “non-GMO.” While this label joins the certified organic seal along with words such as “100% Natural” and other health-conscious phrases, the distinction of being non-GMO is obviously a good and healthful stamp of approval. But while health-conscious consumers happily part with their money for the non-GMO label, the obvious question arises, “What is GMO?”

What Is GMO?

The letters GMO stand for “genetically modified organism.” With every issue there are two sides. Although most, if not all, consumers who are concerned about the quality of their food will reject GMO foods for many legitimate reasons, the benefits of GMO foods should also be considered. Genetic engineering has been developed for the enhancement of crops. While traditional breeding methods take years to develop bigger, better plants, genetic engineering isolates specific plant genes and actually programs the seed to produce the plant according to how scientists in the laboratory desire it to be.

Benefits of GMO Foods

Benefits of GMO foods includes making plants resistant to drought and insects, produce a greater yield, enhanced taste and ability to grow in adverse conditions. Additionally, the possible but very questionable benefits of GMO foods include food enhanced with drugs, synthesized vitamins, vaccines or worse. While the benefits of GMO foods seem at first glance to be great, there is much concern about the genetic engineering of food for many reasons. While this particular author is all for technology, and GMO foods certainly comes under the vast umbrella of technology, there is also the safe and responsible use of this technology.

Cons of GMO Foods

Are GMO foods safe? While many studies show that animals are harmed by eating GMO foods, humans are not used in tests to ingest GMO foods to see how their health may be adversely affected. There is absolutely no human study to show how GMO foods affect humans. What is scary is that humans are eating GMO foods every day. Most of these GMO food are found in soy products, canola oil and grains, especially corn. Think salad dressings, anything with soy (and what packaged and processed food does not contain soy?) crackers and cereal to name a few. Jeffery Smith, an GMO food expert and the author of the book Seeds of Deception talks at length about severe allergic reactions from eating genetically engineered foods.

Non GMO Foods Demand

The desire for non-GMO foods is rapidly rising through health-conscious consumers who don't want to eat genetically modified food for several reasons:

The genes used to modify the seeds are not always plant derived. These genes can be derived from certain strains of bacteria or higher life forms of animals such as frogs or scorpions. Vegans or non vegans alike usually desire to avoid arachnid parts in their foods. Beyond a simple and personal decision not to eat animal DNA, health-minded, freedom-loving consumers don't want to be fed pharmaceuticals.

When there is death caused by the food itself the legitimate concern about how GMO foods affect the environment and ecosystem pale in comparison. Illness and dying from GMO foods is a very real fact. A Russian report hints that over two million people have mysteriously died in the United States since 2008 as a direct result of GMO foods. This number is expected to increase as more GMO foods are introduced into the United States. Another article from the Huffington Post reports on a study showing how genetically modified corn is linked to organ damage. It would seem that GMO foods are slowly but surely causing severe illness which quickly leads to death.

While food was once considered comforting, healing and nourishing, the increase of GMO foods can take this life-giving stuff to a new and very sinister dimension. Knowing the the dangers of GMO foods it is no surprise that the demand for non-GMO foods is growing. Health-minded consumers desire to eat only clean and safe food. Therefore, certified organic food, which is by definition non-GMO food, is in demand.