Genetically modified foods are more common than you might think, often hidden in plain sight on our plates. While some people are wary of GMOs, others appreciate the benefits they bring to farming and food production. Here’s a list of everyday foods that have been genetically tweaked, along with a brief explanation of why they were modified.
Corn
Corn is the king of GMOs. Most of the corn you eat is genetically modified to resist pests and herbicides, affecting a wide range of corn-based products.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a major player in the GMO world. Modified to withstand herbicides, they’re in everything from tofu to baby formula.
Canola
Canola oil, found in countless kitchens, comes from GMO canola plants. These are engineered to resist herbicides, making it easier for farmers to grow and harvest.
Papaya
Hawaiian papayas are often genetically modified to resist the ringspot virus. This scientific intervention helps prevent crop failure.
Zucchini
Your favorite summer squash might be genetically modified to fight off pesky viruses, resulting in healthier plants and more reliable harvests.
Sugar Beets
Most of the sugar beets grown in the U.S. are genetically modified for herbicide resistance. A significant portion of your table sugar starts its journey as a GMO crop.
Alfalfa
This livestock feed crop is often genetically modified to tolerate herbicides, leading to more robust crops and higher yields.
Potatoes
Some potatoes are genetically modified to resist bruising and browning, extending their freshness and reducing food waste.
Apples
Certain apples, like the Arctic variety, are engineered to resist browning after being cut, enhancing their visual appeal and shelf life.
Tomatoes
The first genetically modified food ever sold was the Flavr Savr tomato, designed to have a longer shelf life. Though it’s not on the market anymore, other GMO tomatoes are still around.
Squash
Like zucchini, yellow squash can be genetically modified to resist viruses, which helps maintain crop health and productivity.
Eggplant
Some varieties of eggplant have been genetically modified to fend off pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and enhancing crop resilience.
Rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified variety enriched with vitamin A to combat deficiencies in developing countries, providing a vital nutrient boost.
Eat Away Your Allergies With These 12 Foods That Fight Seasonal Sniffles
As the seasons change, so do our allergy symptoms, often leaving us sniffly, sneezy, and downright miserable. But what if you could fight back with your fork? These incredible foods might just to that and help you combat those annoying seasonal allergies. From the anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric to the histamine-fighting punch of apples, dig into some tasty ways to potentially clear up those seasonal sniffles.
Read it Here: Eat Away Your Allergies With These 12 Foods That Fight Seasonal Sniffles
10 Most Dangerous Foods Americans Eat Every Day
Think your daily diet is safe? Think again! Some of the foods we munch on every day are ticking health time bombs, hiding serious risks behind their tasty facades. We’re unveiling some common everyday foods that could be wrecking your health and exposing the truth about what’s really on your plate.
Read it Here: 10 Most Dangerous Foods Americans Eat Every Day
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
