The Genetically Modified Foods You’re Already Eating
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A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods, ingredients, and other products. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes.
Here is a list of the ten “healthy” GMO foods that you may already be eating:
Corn
From corn-on-the-cob to syrup and corn starch, this crop is the most genetically modified crop on the market.
Soybeans
The second largest U.S. crop, mostly used in vegetable oil and is present in foods like dark chocolate and candy.
Cotton
Genetically modified cotton is mainly turned into cottonseed oil which is used to fry foods in many restaurants but can also be found in potato chips and margarine.
Potatoes
Resistant to bruising and may produce less of a cancer-causing chemical called acrylamide when exposed to high heat. This crop was recently approved to be genetically modified. (According to Time)
Papaya
Genetically modified papayas are created to withstand ringspot virus, which destroys papaya plants.
Squash
Mainly Zucchini and Yellow summer squash.
Canola
Mainly used for its oil, canola is used in cooking and for margarine. According to ScientificAmerican.com, 90% of canola grown in the U.S. and Canada is genetically modified.
Alfalfa
In 2011, the FDA approved the genetic modification of alfalfa to make it resistant to herbicides.
Apples
Recently receiving approval from the FDA, many apples do not brown even after they have been sliced.
Sugar Beets
According to Time, more than half of the granulated sugar in the United States comes from genetically modified sugar beets.
Source: http://time.com
Share your story – What food(s) are you most surprised to see on this list? What changes have you or will you make to your diets now that you know which of your favorite foods contain GMOs?
