What Are GMOs and Why Do They Matter?

In today’s world, food choices are more important than ever, and understanding what goes into our meals is key to making informed decisions for our health. One term that often pops up on labels and in discussions around food is GMO—but what does it actually mean? And why should you care? Let’s dive into the basics of GMOs, why they matter, and how to navigate the food landscape to make the healthiest choices for you and your family.

What Exactly Is a GMO?

A GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is any organism whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering. This modification is usually done to improve the organism’s resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental factors, or to improve its yield. For instance, a genetically modified plant may be altered to withstand drought or produce its own pesticide.

While genetic modification can be done to animals and microorganisms, it’s most commonly associated with crops. Some modifications aim to make foods more appealing to consumers, like making them larger, sweeter, or more resistant to bruising. However, these modifications raise concerns over the potential long-term effects on both our health and the environment.

Why Do GMOs Matter?

There are many debates around the use of GMOs, and while some argue that they offer solutions to food security and hunger by producing more resilient crops, others warn of potential hidden dangers.

Here’s why GMOs should matter to you:

1. Potential Health Concerns:
Some studies suggest that consuming GMO foods may have adverse effects on health. One key concern is that GMO foods often contain higher concentrations of pesticides and herbicides, which can be absorbed by the crops. Over time, this can lead to a higher toxin intake, potentially affecting your health. The long-term effects of consuming these chemicals are still not fully understood.

2. Environmental Impact:
Many GMOs are designed to be resistant to herbicides, which can encourage overuse of these chemicals. This may lead to soil depletion, contamination of water sources, and a loss of biodiversity.

3. Lack of Transparency:
In some countries, like the United States, there’s little regulation requiring GMO foods to be clearly labeled. This means that you may unknowingly be consuming GMOs even if you’re trying to avoid them. Until better regulations are put in place, it’s important to be proactive about choosing non-GMO or organic options whenever possible.

Foods Most Likely to Be GMO

Some foods are more likely to be genetically modified than others. Here are some of the most common GMO crops in the U.S. and elsewhere:

1. Corn
One of the most widely grown GMO crops, corn is often modified to resist herbicides and pests. Many processed foods, including snacks, breakfast cereals, and even meat products (due to corn in animal feed), contain corn derivatives.

2. Soybeans
Soybeans are another major GMO crop, used in many processed food products. They’re often genetically engineered for herbicide resistance, and soy products like oil, tofu, and soy milk are frequently made from genetically modified beans.

3. Canola (Rapeseed)
Canola oil, which is commonly used in cooking and processed foods, is typically made from genetically modified canola crops. It’s often modified to be resistant to herbicides and to increase oil yield.

4. Cotton
Cottonseed oil is used in a variety of processed foods, and cotton itself is often genetically modified to be resistant to insects and herbicides.

5. Papaya
Some varieties of papaya, particularly those grown in Hawaii, are genetically modified to resist the ringspot virus, which devastated papaya crops in the 1990s.

6. Sugar Beets
The sugar industry relies on genetically modified sugar beets, which are grown in large quantities to make sugar for processed foods. If you’re consuming processed sugar, chances are it’s made from genetically modified sugar beets unless labeled otherwise.

7. Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Certain varieties of zucchini and yellow squash are genetically modified to be resistant to viruses.

How to Avoid GMOs: Choose Organic or Non-GMO Products

So, what can you do to avoid GMOs and keep your family’s food as healthy as possible?

1. Opt for Organic:
Choosing organic products is one of the best ways to avoid GMOs. Organic standards prohibit the use of genetically modified seeds or ingredients, so if you’re buying organic, you can rest assured that the food you’re consuming is GMO-free.

2. Look for Non-GMO Verified Labels:
If organic isn’t available, another option is to look for the Non-GMO Project Verified label. This certification ensures that the product was tested and is free of genetically modified ingredients.

3. Shop Fresh, Whole Foods:
Whenever possible, focus on fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains. These tend to be less processed and, if bought from the right sources, can be free of GMOs. Consider shopping at local farmers' markets and asking growers about their practices.

4. Be Mindful of Processed Foods:
Most processed foods are more likely to contain GMOs. The more ingredients a product has, the more likely it is to contain genetically modified ingredients, especially corn, soy, or canola derivatives. Read ingredient labels carefully!

How My Family Navigates the GMO World

At home, we’ve found success in finding affordable non-GMO and organic options at many of the national food chains like Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and Fred Meyer. We make it a point to always check the labels to ensure we're making the best choices for our family. While organic items can sometimes be more expensive, we also love shopping at stores that specialize in organic, like Natural Grocers. Natural Grocers offers all organic produce, which means it’s non-GMO. While not everything in the store is organic, it certainly takes the stress out of checking labels for produce.

Final Thoughts: The Benefits of Choosing Non-GMO Foods

Ultimately, avoiding GMOs is an important step in making healthier food choices. By choosing organic or non-GMO options, you’re reducing your exposure to higher concentrations of toxins often found in GMO crops. These toxins, like pesticides and herbicides, can accumulate in your body over time, potentially impacting your health.

While GMOs may offer benefits like increased crop yields, the potential risks to both our health and the environment are too important to ignore. By being mindful of what you’re buying, reading labels, and making informed choices, you’re investing in a healthier future for yourself and your family.