© Getty Images

© Shutterstock

The thinking behind it -

Generally, GMOs are created to be able to withstand the direct application of a herbicide and/or produce an insecticide.

© Shutterstock

The thinking behind it -

Increasingly, however, there are other reasons GMOs are being created, such as to prevent browning in apples.

© Shutterstock

Lack of comprehensive research -

Currently there are no long-term feeding studies that have looked at the impact of GMOs on our health, and their safety is therefore unknown.

© Shutterstock

Lack of comprehensive research -

Furthermore, there is no evidence that the GMOs currently on the market actually increase yield, enhance nutrition, or have any other consumer benefit.

© Shutterstock

Going non-GMO -

As a result, more and more people are joining the non-GMO revolution and opting for goods that have not been genetically modified over those that have.

© Shutterstock

Labeling requirement - In some countries around the world, such as Australia, Japan, and all countries in the EU, this is a relatively easy task, since the law requires that GMOs be labeled.

© Shutterstock

Complications -

In other countries, including the US, there is no such law, which makes going non-GMO more difficult. Nonetheless, here are some things to consider if you are thinking of cutting out GMOs.

© Shutterstock

Freedom from toxic chemicals -

GMOs are grown using harsh fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, whose residue inevitably resides inside the product, even after careful washing on the outside.

© Shutterstock

Freedom from toxic chemicals -

Many people who opt for non-GMO, naturally-grown foods find that their symptoms of ill health soon begin to disappear.

© Shutterstock

Freedom from antibiotics and growth hormones -

GMO animal products are often pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones. This can cause damage to our immune system.

© Shutterstock

Freedom from antibiotics and growth hormones -

The use of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which reduces the overall immunity of the human body and makes us more susceptible to disease.

© Shutterstock

Fresher foods -

GMOs are often engineered using chemical preservatives that make them last longer and look fresher for longer.

© Shutterstock

Fresher foods -

This means that GMO products are often not as fresh as we think, and therefore not so nutritionally beneficial.

© Shutterstock

Better for the environment -

GMOs are engineered in a chemical-rich environment, which over time causes soil erosion and infertility, as well as increases pollution.

© Shutterstock

Better for the environment -

Using heavy chemicals to grow GMOs also uses more energy than growing foods naturally, which puts a further strain on the world’s natural resources.

© Shutterstock

Richer in certain nutrients -

While we do not know exactly how GMOs impact our bodies, we do know that non-GMO foods are richer in certain nutrients.

© Shutterstock

Richer in certain nutrients - Non-GMOs have been found to be higher in omega fatty acids, as well as several vital vitamins and minerals.

© Shutterstock

Helps keep allergies under control -

There has been a surge in recent years of people suffering allergic reactions, in particular to GM soy and corn.

© Shutterstock

Helps keep allergies under control -

GMOs contain more allergens than non-GMOs, and they have even been found to contain new allergens that do not occur in natural plant species.

© Shutterstock

Helps keep allergies under control -

The chance of having an allergic reaction to a GMO is therefore higher; there are even stories of people who are allergic to GM soy, but not natural soy.

© Getty Images

Allows your body to deal more effectively with skin parasites -

Itchy skin and skin inflammation can be a real nuisance to deal with. It is a common problem and can be difficult to diagnose.

© Shutterstock

Allows your body to deal more effectively with skin parasites -

In recent years, a common recommendation for a person struggling with a skin parasite is to focus on eating healthier foods and cutting out GMOs.

© Shutterstock

Allows your body to deal more effectively with skin parasites -

Avoiding GMOs has been shown to reduce the symptoms of a skin parasite and increase quality of life for those people who suffer with this chronic problem.

© Shutterstock

Improves overall fitness, especially recovery -

We have already mentioned the nutritional and immune system benefits of going non-GMO, so it should be clear that a non-GMO diet is better for overall fitness.

© Shutterstock

Improves overall fitness, especially recovery -

However, there is another reason this is true: organic non-GMO crops have been found to contain 60% more antioxidants than GMO crops.

© Shutterstock

Improves overall fitness, especially recovery -

Antioxidants help your body’s cells to heal after hard exercise and therefore aid in your recovery. In this way, non-GMO foods play an important role in your fitness journey.

© Shutterstock

All in all -

So there you have a few reasons to opt for non-GMO foods as part of a healthy diet. The exact safety of GMOs is hitherto unknown, but there are plenty of reasons to go natural nonetheless.

Sources: (The Non-GMO Project) (PureFit) (LinkedIn)

See also: The strangest genetically modified foods hitting the shelves

© Shutterstock