What is a GMO – Genetically Modified Organism

What is a GMO - Genetically Modified Organism

What do you get when you cross genes from bacteria with genes from an animal? Not sure? Neither is anyone else, including the scientists and researchers behind genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

What exactly is a GMO? A GMO is created by taking genes from organisms such as bacteria, viruses or animals and inserting them into another, often unrelated, species.

Genetically modified, or GM food refers to any food product that contains GMOs or is derived from GMOs.[Infographic] The 8 Most Common GMO Foods

Proponents of genetically modified foods emphasize the potential benefits – increasing agricultural production to potentially ending world hunger (ironically, some third world countries have already said, 'no thank you' to GM foods), a decreased use of pesticides by creating pest-resistant crops, and enhanced nutritional value by fortifying plants with additional nutrients.

Opponents, on the other hand, warn that these new organisms (nicknamed Frankenfoods by critics) may pose serious unknown and unpredictable health and environmental risks. Many people have already experienced allergic reactions to GM foods.Read more about the risks of genetically modified foods

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About 70 percent of the foods in our supermarkets contain genetically modified ingredients. The three main GM crops cultivated in the U.S. are corn, soybeans, and cotton. Most sugar is made from GM sugar beets. Take a moment to consider just how many foods and products contain these GM ingredients.

Foods labeled certified organic or verified by the Non-GMO Project are not allowed to contain GMOs.

Photo credit: United Soybean Board

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Lisa Roth Collins, RHN
Lisa Roth Collins is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) and is the Marketing Manager at NaturallySavvy.com. She is passionate about health and wellness and tries her best to make healthier choices every day for herself and her family. Her journey to natural health was driven by her own struggles with digestive discomfort, depression, and anxiety. Lisa returned to school in 2014 to study nutrition at the Canadian School for Natural Nutrition. She threw herself into her studies so she could learn as much as she could to help herself feel better and thrive. Upon completing the program and being certified as an RHN, Lisa began her work at Naturally Savvy where she has been able to help so many people learn to make healthier choices for themselves. Through her work, she has connected with so many incredible people in the industry whether other authors, influencers, or brands. Plus, she is affectionately known as "Techie Spice" because of her ability to wrap her head around technology. Every day she gets up with a renewed sense of energy and ready to make a difference. You can read all of Lisa's content here. In her spare time, Lisa loves to try new recipes, make delicious and nourishing meals, and she is an avid reader. For more information about Lisa, check out her profile on here.