There is a lot of debate on whether or not organically grown food is better for our bodies or not. Being a nutrition major, we tackle and learn some of the most interesting things in the field. The topic that has touched me the most by far is the debate of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) vs. Organic. Coming into my freshman year as a nutrition major, I firmly believed that organic was NOT better for you. But after learning about GMOs in class and conducting my own research, I now stand on the opposite side of the debate.

What are they?

According to the Non GMO Project, GMOs are organisms that have been scientifically altered in a laboratory through genetic engineering. What this means is that scientists are taking DNA from one species of a plant and injecting that into another species, thus creating unstable combinations of plants, bacteria, animals, etc. The reason that GMOs were created in the first place was to have the ability to not need pesticides. Technically, making the crop an insecticide. So this means that the GMO crop can grow without having insects eat them. This can be dangerous in many ways not only for the consumer of the crop but for the insects that need their pollen.

What foods contain GMOs?

Surprisingly a lot of foods contain a genetically modified ingredient. Soy is the top genetically modified ingredient in America and it is in most of our cereals, soups, infant formulas, and many more. According to Morgan Helme, when GMO crops were first introduced in 1993, only 17 percent of the soy produced in this country was genetically modified. Today, that number has jumped to 93 percent. What this means is that if you are buying a food product that contains soy such as soy milk, tofu, or any packaged cereals; you are purchasing GMO. Corn is another crop that is highly genetically modified. Corn, like soy, is also used in a lot of different packaged foods or oils.

Why are they bad for me?

Since the introduction of GMO foods in the 1990s, the percentage of those with food allergies have gone up drastically. According to the Institute for Responsible Technology, the percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses has jumped from seven to 13 percent in just nine years. Many doctors and scientists suggest a non-GMO diet to their patients.

Are they labeled?

In Europe, yes GMOs are labeled. In the United States they are not. Every time a state tries to pass a bill for the labeling of GMOs, Monsanto, the company that owns and produces the GMO seed threatens to sue them. According to the Non GMO Project, in European countries, the foods that contain GMO ingredients are clearly labeled on the packaging. There have been many strides toward having GMO labeling laws passed in the United States, and hopefully in the near future we will see them labeled.

How can I avoid them?

Unfortunately the only way to really know that you are avoiding GMO foods is to buy foods with the USDA Organic label or the Non GMO Project Verified stamp. Look for these on your fruits, veggies, meats, milks, and all packaged foods as well.

By continuing to educate others on the negative impacts on GMOs we are fueling the fire against Monsanto and the GMO cooperation. To learn more information on this topic, check out Food Inc. and GMO OMG on Netflix.