Genetically modified foods are foods that have been genetically altered into a new food. GMO foods, otherwise known as GE (Genetically engineered) foods have been found to be harmful to human health for various reasons.
There is ongoing debate about the potential impacts of genetically modified (GMO) foods on gut health. Some research suggests that GMO foods may be harmful to the gut microbiome, while other studies have found no significant differences in the gut microbiome of animals fed genetically modified foods compared to those fed non-GMO diets. But what is truthful? Well, you have to dig deeper to get the truth! As always.
One concern is that GMO crops may contain high levels of pesticides, which do in fact harm the gut microbiome. Some studies have found that animals fed diets containing genetically modified crops treated with pesticides had changes in their gut microbiome, although it is not clear if these changes were caused by the GMO crops or the pesticides. But what else would it be caused by? Beyond that, other research has become valuable in displaying other risks of GMO foods. It has been found that genetically modified crops may contain antibiotic resistance genes, which could potentially lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut microbiome.
In other words, pesticides do a number on the gut microbiome (in a bad way) then the antibiotic resistant bacteria does a number on it also, wreaking havoc on the gut microbiome. The bacterial balance of the gut microbiome is very important which is why we take it so seriously with our health coaching services.
Without further ado, here are the Top 10 GMO Foods to avoid at all costs!
Top 10 Most Dangerous GMO Foods:
- Soybeans – Genetically modified soybeans are used in a variety of products, including vegetable oil, protein powders, and animal feed.
- Corn – Genetically modified corn is used in a variety of products, including corn oil, corn syrup, and animal feed. Make sure to get organic if you eat corn!
- Cotton – Genetically modified cotton is used to produce cottonseed oil, which is used in a variety of products including cooking oil, margarine, and snack foods.
- Canola – Genetically modified canola is used to produce canola oil, which is used in a variety of products including cooking oil, margarine, and snack foods. They put canola oil in everything now so check your labels closely!
- Sugar beets – Genetically modified sugar beets are used to produce sugar, which is found in a variety of products including baked goods, cereals, and beverages.
- Papaya – Genetically modified papaya is grown in Hawaii and China and is used in a variety of products including fresh fruit and juice.
- Alfalfa – Genetically modified alfalfa is used as animal feed. But could be crossed for human consumption so go organic whenever you can!
- Squash – Genetically modified squash is grown in the United States and is used in a variety of products including fresh fruit and juice.
- Apples – Genetically modified apples are grown in the United States and are used in a variety of products including fresh fruit and juice. Go organic here every single time because apples are a dirty dozen food! So even if it’s not organic it’s sprayed with a high level of pesticides.
- Potatoes – Genetically modified potatoes are grown in the United States and are used in a variety of products including fresh potatoes and processed potato products such as french fries and potato chips. Potatoes are also another dirty dozen crop, so avoid potatoes completely unless you can purchase organic potatoes. You might be wondering, what are dirty dozen crops? Dirty dozen crops are the 12 foods sprayed with the most pesticides. These crops are worth avoiding at all costs in their conventionally grown form unless they’re organic because these pesticides will damage your stomach and intestinal lining. Click here to read an article on the dirty dozen foods.