
A few years ago, in a nutrition class I took on Food and Health, we briefly delved into GMOs and the professor taking the class said something puzzling. He said, “You may have your concerns about GMOs, but taking them is much better than not taking any fruits and vegetables at all.”
GMO, which stands for genetically modified organism, refers to any organism whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering technology.
I have always wondered about it because I believed for the longest time that they were unsafe, caused cancer, and all the negative things you read about them. But recently, I have started asking questions and seeking answers.
I found out that these lemons we love so much and add to many things are a cross between sour orange and citron. They are not naturally occurring. And so far, I have never read any negative reviews about lemons and their impact on our health.
I read from a food scientist on social media, and he had this to say, “As a scientist, I want you to know that this is one of those things that millions of people have been led to believe even though there isn’t a single truth to it. GM foods are just as safe good, and harmless as any other kind of food. What is funny is that genetic modification happens ALL THE TIME in nature. The one that happens in the lab is not at all different from what happens in nature. Just that we channel it towards a certain purpose. Genetic modification is the reason the world’s population is not starving today. The species of cassava plants that is everywhere today producing 4 times what earlier species used to produce was developed by IITA in the 80’s by selective grafting and cross-breeding, which is a form of genetic modification. Some farmers will be selling it and smiling to the bank even as they sit on Twitter condemning GMOs as dangerous and evil. This internet generation likes to reap the benefits of science while condemning the benefactor to hell.
The only GMO issue I have a problem with is the fact that some scientific corporations develop improved species that have no seeds that can be planted—so farmers have to buy seeds from them every year. That is greed. But the improvement of the plant is a good thing.”
Although most notable organizations and research suggest that GMO foods are safe and sustainable, some people claim they may harm your health and the environment.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and USDA maintain that GMOs are safe for human and animal consumption.
GMO foods are easier and less costly for farmers to grow, which makes them cheaper for the consumer. GMO techniques may also enhance foods’ nutrients, flavor, and appearance.
While GMO crops make farming much easier, there is some concern about their potential effect on the environment and their safety for human consumption, particularly surrounding illnesses and allergies.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has stated that there’s no evidence to link GMO food intake to an increased or decreased risk of cancer, and there is no evidence that eating GMOs will change your DNA.
Also, the FDA made us understand that researchers who develop GMO foods run tests to ensure that allergens aren’t transferred from one food to another. Research suggests GMO foods are no likelier to trigger allergies than their non-GMO counterparts.
Research must still continue to address these concerns and also fix whatever challenges that can arise from these activities but in the meantime, the fact that GMOs have already found their way to practically everything we eat should help us make more informed choices.
Joy Mfon Essien is an Entrepreneur and the CEO, of Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks and Delicioso Foods. Writer, TV presenter and producer, Wellness Coach and mom of two.