A genetically modified (gmo) food is a food that has been made using biotechnology. These foods are engineered to produce desirable traits like resistance to disease or greater size.Many people don’t know that many of their favorite foods are GMOs. The Non-GMO Project put together this list to help you keep a closer eye on what you’re eating.
1. Soybeans
Soybeans are a variety of edible bean that is native to East Asia but now cultivated worldwide. They are mainly grown for their seeds, which are rich in both protein and energy.Grain legumes, such as soybeans, have a natural symbiosis with a Rhizobium bacterium to produce organic proteins. They also do not require commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers, saving farmers money and environmental resources.The soybean is the world’s largest oilseed crop, accounting for about 95% of global oil production (Wilcox 2004). It is produced primarily in the United States, Brazil and Argentina.
2. Corn
Corn is one of the most widely cultivated crops, and it’s also a heavily modified crop (with the exception of popcorn). Genetically engineered corn is used for livestock feed, and you’ll likely find corn starch, corn oil, and other derivatives on the ingredient list of processed foods.Biotech corn can be used for a number of reasons, including herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and improved grain quality. A 2018 study from Pellegrino et al found that GMO corn is highly productive, has few impacts on non-target organisms, and has minimal environmental effects.
3. Canola
The canola plant is a member of the Brassicaceae family, along with cabbage, beets, and mustard. Its seeds are pressed to make oil that is used in many processed foods, as well as for animal feed.Canola oil has the lowest saturated fat content of all common vegetable oils and is also a good source of monounsaturated fats. Its light texture, mild flavor and high smoke point makes it a versatile cooking oil that can be used in a wide variety of dishes.Genetically modified (GMO) canola, which has been tolerant to herbicides, was first introduced commercially in 1997. Today, nearly all canola grown in Canada and the United States is GM.
4. Sugar Beets
Beets are a type of root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. They’re commonly used as a sweetener, and in the US, sugar beet farmers produce half of the granulated sugar sold on grocery shelves.They’re also an important crop for farmers, who use them as fodder. Their large roots are used as a source of sugar for molasses and in tuzemak, which is a liqueur made with rum and beet sugar.Genetic engineering allows sugar beet farmers to use fewer chemicals to control weeds, which is a huge win for the environment. For example, glyphosate, the safest chemical on the market, is less often applied to sugar beets.
5. Aspartame
Aspartame is a food additive which is authorised for use in the EU in a range of foods including drinks, desserts, sweets, chewing gum and yogurt. It also appears in a wide variety of low calorie and weight control products.The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted a comprehensive review of scientific data on aspartame. This included a public call for data and a thorough literature review.EFSA concluded that there was no reason to re-evaluate the safety of aspartame or to revise the ADI. Nevertheless, EFSA carries out regular reviews and is constantly looking for new information to support its conclusions.
6. Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit that has many health benefits. It can help improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cancer.It also helps control diabetes. It is a good source of lycopene, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.If you want to enjoy a sweet and delicious treat, try this recipe for Papaya-Avocado Salad. It has a low calorie count and is full of fiber to keep you satisfied.
