Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants and animals that have been created through genetic engineering using DNA of other species that would not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding. Commercially produced GMO’s are primarily engineered to withstand direct application of herbicides.
What are GMOs
Many people choose to follow a non GMO diet due to concerns over the quality and safety of the food. As GMO’s have only recently begun to be used, the long term effects on human health have not yet been seen. However, cutting out products that are are likely to contain GMO’s can also have benefits for health and can help with natural weight loss.
What is genetically modified food?
In the United States GMO’s are thought to be in up to 80% of all processed foods. The United States are in the minority by allowing genetically modified ingredients to be present in food. Most other developed countries in the world have restrictions or even bans on the sale of food and products containing GMO’s, including Australia, Japan and all countries in the European Union. Processed foods should be restricted when trying to lose weight as they often contain a high amount of fat, calories and salt.
A diet that contains a large amount of fruit and vegetables is important when trying to lose weight as they are low in calories and most are fat free. They also lower the likelihood of developing diseases related to obesity such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Buying organic fruit and vegetables greatly reduces the risk of consuming GMO’s which will add to these health benefits.
People tend to be cautious about eating foods that contain GMO’s but there is no requirement for these ingredients to be labelled on food products. Avoiding the most common foods that are known to contain GMO’s can help to prevent consumption of them and can also provide a healthy diet that could lead to weight loss.
