What is a GMO?

 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) aka Genetically Engineered Organisms are created in a laboratory and could result in a genetically modified animal, fish, and potentially human. While GMO’s have a huge impact on our environment, the purpose of this article is to increase awareness about their impact to our health.

GMOs as they relate to plants involves the addition of gene(s) from another organism or the removal of gene(s) from a plant, manipulation in the laboratory, and then the return of the changed gene back into the same or similar plant.

Why Should You Care?

When you take a gene from one organism and put it in another organism, is the gene going to do exactly what you want in that organism, and nothing else? The answer is no! So, what exactly is the something else and how does it impact our health?

The most common plant GMOs are herbicide resistant plants (for example soybeans, pineapples, corn, papaya, apples, canola, potatoes, summer squash) resulting in a significant increase in herbicide use. Disturbingly, some of the same companies that produce herbicides are also involved in producing genetically modified plants!

The increased use of herbicides equates to increases in neurological disorders, respiratory problems, cancer, and reproductive health as detailed at the following link.

A systematic review of pesticide exposure, associated risks, and long-term human health impacts – PMC

Now What?

 In addition to increasing public awareness, a few suggestions to ensure the health of you and your loved ones are to consume organic, when possible, especially the foods identified at EWG’s 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce | Dirty Dozen; grow your own food and support local farmers and farmers markets that offer organic produce.

8 Tips on How to Avoid GMO Foods – Center for Nutrition Studies

Veganish is a flexible approach to eating that is mostly plant-based but doesn’t require 100% perfection. A Veganish lifestyle is defined by practical, sustainable habits rather than strict rules. No pressure, simply a judgement-free approach to diet that eliminates the stress of being “perfectly” vegan.

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