In a world where the choices we make about the food and products we consume can profoundly impact our health and the environment, the question of whether or not to embrace genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become increasingly significant. While GMOs have been touted for their few benefits, they raise concerns about potential health risks and environmental consequences.
What Are GMOs?
GMO, short for genetically modified organism, refers to an organism whose genetic makeup has been meticulously altered in a laboratory setting to promote the expression of specific desired traits or the generation of particular biological products. This manipulation occurs at the molecular level, leading to the creation of novel breeds that wouldn’t naturally emerge through traditional breeding methods.
The history of genetically modified foods can be traced back to the 1970s. In 2003 both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) initiated collaborative efforts to formulate guidelines for foods that have been genetically modified. By 2015, a significant portion of American cotton, soybeans, and corn had undergone genetic modification, and that same year marked the official approval of the first genetically modified salmon for consumption. Subsequently, more genetically modified products received approval for sale, including apples, sugar beets, potatoes, canola, alfalfa, and even pink pineapples. Ongoing research and discussions continue to assess the safety of these foods as well as explore the possibility of international trade of GMO products. As of 2023, 65 countries across the globe mandate food manufacturers to indicate on the label if a food has been genetically modified.
So, how does one go about creating genetically modified foods? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the process begins with the identification of a plant that displays resistance to insect attacks or thrives in arid conditions. Next, the gene responsible for these desired traits is pinpointed, and then the gene is duplicated or cloned before being injected into another plant’s DNA. Following this genetic modification, the plant is cultivated under careful supervision to observe its growth and development.
The Pros and Cons of GMOs
In the realm of dietary choices, the question of whether to embrace GMOs has garnered growing significance due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. GMOs offer a range of benefits, but they also raise concerns for many people. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of GMOs.
The Pros of GMOs
The benefits of GMOs include…
- Enhanced Crop Yields. GMOs have gained global prominence for their exceptional potential to boost agricultural productivity. These genetically engineered organisms can produce larger quantities of food in shorter time frames, a big advantage in addressing the needs of the ever-growing world population and global food insecurities.
- Reduced Pesticide Dependency. An often-touted benefit of GMOs is their diminished reliance on pesticides, which is purportedly advantageous for the environment. In contrast, organic farming typically demands more extensive care, including the application of pesticides. GMOs, with their laboratory-engineered traits, demonstrate an ability to thrive while requiring fewer pesticides.
The Cons of GMOs
On the flip side, some of the downsides to GMOs include…
- Health Concerns. The potential health implications of GMO consumption are a subject of ongoing research. Allergens and toxins found in GMO foods have raised concerns, along with potential genetic hazards. These concerns stem from variable responses that different individuals may have to modified food products. Moreover, GMOs often find their way into various food products through additives, food coloring, syrups, sweeteners, and oils, posing potential health risks to consumers without them realizing it.
- Environmental Impact. According to the Non-GMO Project, GMOs can exert significant impacts on the environment. In the early stages of GMO experimentation, extensive use of insecticides and herbicides occurred to assess how these modified plants would react. Consequently, this led to detrimental effects on the growth of conventional plants due to pesticide contamination. Additionally, the cultivation of GMOs has contributed to the emergence of super-weeds and super-bugs, which necessitate the use of more potent chemicals for farmers wishing to keep them away from their crops. Over time, this heightened chemical usage poses a risk of air and water pollution.
- Ethical and Social Implications. GMOs possess the potential to supplant organic plants and animals, a prospect that runs counter to the beliefs of numerous societies around the world. While some Western nations may appear more open to GMOs, approximately 16 European countries reject their use. Furthermore, some countries, like Canada, do not mandate the labeling of GMO foods, depriving individuals of informed choices about their dietary intake. In addition, the widespread adoption of GMOs could have ramifications for farmers. They may lose the right or ability to save organic seeds as more companies gain approvals to sell and deal with genetically modified seeds and products.
- Limited Research. Ever since genetically modified foods first entered the market, regulatory bodies such as the FDA have been gradually granting approvals for GMO food products. However, research entities like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledge that research in this field remains slim and ongoing, leaving us with an incomplete understanding of GMOs’ full impact on our health and overall well-being.
Our Commitment to Non-GMO Ingredients
Here at New Earth, our unwavering dedication to providing you with the finest natural supplements for comprehensive well-being is at the core of our mission. To exemplify this commitment, we have not only put in the work to obtain a variety of quality and safety certifications, but we also place the highest priority on employing exclusively non-GMO ingredients. This is why we only work with ingredient suppliers who are able to provide us with assurances that they share our commitment to non-GMO products.
With that being said, here are just a few of our top-selling, all-natural, non-GMO supplements that you can try.
Renew
Designed with healthy, graceful aging in mind, Renew is not only free of GMOs but is also vegetarian-friendly! With ingredients like organic Wild Microalgae™, wild blueberries, and carnosine, Renew is perfect for anyone who is looking to combat physical signs of aging by providing your body with the nourishment it needs for healthy stem cell growth.
Mind
Our flagship product, Mind is made with the heart of organic Wild Microalgae as its sole ingredient! Containing algae that has had the cell wall naturally removed, Mind is specifically designed to support brain function, enhance concentration, uplift mood, and support your ever-important immune system.
Body
This pure algae superfood supplement contains organic Wild Microalgae with the cell wall still intact, which allows it to offer your whole body with a wealth of vital nutrients like amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Body is a fantastic option for those looking for a single product that will give them the most bang for their buck when it comes to overall wellness.
Wild Algae Blend
A 50/50 blend of Body and Mind, Wild Algae Blend is a natural superfood supplement that provides you with all the benefits of organic Wild Microalgae in a convenient powder form. This powerful powder seamlessly integrates into your daily regimen, enhancing digestion, promoting nutrient absorption, supporting immunity, and boosting energy.
The best part is that you can put any of New Earth’s non-GMO products to the test risk-free with our 60-day money-back guarantee. So what are you waiting for? Browse our line of superfood supplements and find one that supports your wellness goals today.