Recently, I was asked to discuss the effects of genetically modified foods (GMO) on the cardiovascular system with healthcare providers and the public. Initially, I wondered if GMO foods could increase heart attacks, strokes, and bypass surgeries in humans. To my surprise, I found no studies supporting this.
In fact, I couldn’t find any clear scientific link between GMO foods and heart disorders. I’m not an alarmist, and I trust the scientific process. But as I researched further, my concern grew. I decided to set stricter rules at home regarding food purchases. The more I learned about GMOs, the more convinced I became to say no.
Here’s what I found that led me to reject GMO foods:
1. GMO foods have less nutrition.
This year, we discovered that GMO corn has significantly less sulfur, potassium, and magnesium than non-GMO corn. These nutrients are crucial for controlling blood pressure and maintaining arterial health. I worry about the impact of nutritionally deficient food on my family.
2. Rats fed GMO diets died sooner than GMO-free rats.
In the first-ever GMO feeding study, researchers found that rats fed GMO products were 5 to 6 times more likely to die by the 17th month of life. These rats also developed tumors and liver and kidney problems. Though we lack human data, this concerns me for my family’s health.
3. GMO foods contain unknown viruses.
Creating GMO foods involves inserting new genetic material into cells, often with a virus that “turns on” the new genes. The issue is that there’s no off switch, and these cells keep replicating. I worry about these altered viruses affecting our natural viruses and possibly causing new diseases or cancer.
4. Mice fed GMO foods had damaged red blood cells.
Brazilian researchers found significant red blood cell damage in mice fed GMO-laced chow. This suggests a potential risk for anemia in humans, raising further concerns about GMO foods.
5. GMO foods led to sterility in rats.
In a 2006 study, Russian researchers found that rats fed GMO soybeans had fewer, smaller offspring. By the third generation, the rats were sterile. This raises alarms about the potential effects of GMO foods on human fertility.
What will we do? What can you do?
Living GMO-free is challenging, but we can reduce our exposure. My family now follows updates from the Environmental Working Group, buys organic produce from the “Dirty Dozen” list, and supports the Non-GMO Project. We also back movements for mandatory labeling and use apps to shop GMO-free.
As awareness of GMOs grows, producers are starting to change. For example, a tortilla chip maker in my town announced they would source non-GMO corn and cottonseed oil. This is a step in the right direction. I invite you to get involved in this important issue—we have the power to improve the quality of our food supply.
