The Benefits Of Genetically Modified Foods (Essay Sample)

​​Scientists began genetically modifying foods only a little under thirty years ago. Ever since then there has been a giant spike in the number of genetically modified organisms (GMO) found in grocery stores and markets. According to the Consumer Brands Association, seventy-five to eighty percent of foods sold are genetically modified. Despite this increase in GMO foods, many are still against this scientific advancement, believing that genetically modified foods are more unhealthy and may cause dangerous side effects. Regardless of this widespread belief, there is no reliable evidence that GMO foods are hazardous. In fact, there are many benefits to genetically modified foods. GMO foods can provide food to locations where it is not easily accessible; they also decrease the use of pesticides and provide bigger crop yields.

One of the most important benefits of GMO foods is that they provide food to people in locations where it may not be accessible. Many fruits and vegetables only grow in specific conditions, meaning locations without these environmental factors cannot produce these foods. If it is extremely expensive or too challenging to import foods to these places then, it is likely people will go hungry. Genetically modified foods help combat that. The article “How GMOs Can Help Us to Feed Our Growing Population” by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization states, “ The very foundation of GMO technology is improving crop breeding. GMOs are researched, developed, and brought to market specifically to address a problem. Whether that is increased yield, drought-tolerance, disease-resistance, or to help farmers combat pests, GMOs are the definition of improved crops.” Genetically modified vegetables and fruits can be altered for farming in harsh environments, providing food to people who might not get it otherwise; making it a crucial invention for these civilizations. GMO foods are even beneficial for citizens living in urban locations. Genetically modified crops are easier to cultivate, allowing them to be sold at cheaper prices. This allows more people under the poverty line to be able to provide food for themselves and their families.

Not only do GMO foods help people, they can also help the environment. GMO fruits and vegetables can decrease the use of pesticides. With the power of genetic modification, scientists have been able to design crops that combat pests without the use of pesticides, which are notoriously harmful to the environment. “...This gene produces a toxic protein to several pests and insects, which gives the GMO plants a natural resistance. As such, the GMO crops don’t need to be exposed to harmful pesticides as often,” expresses the Healthline article, “GMOs: Pros and Cons, Backed by Evidence.” The less often pesticides are used, the less the ecosystem is harmed. Since these modified crops are no longer as affected by pests, they also end up producing larger yields for farmers. Combined with modifications that help improve harvest size, like modifying elements that take a part in photosynthesis or improving nitrogen use in crops, the results can be monumental.

Despite the benefits brought with the use of GMO foods, a substantial amount of people are against the spread of this new form of science. In a study hosted by the Pew Research Center, thirty-nine percent of Americans believed genetically modified foods were harmful to one’s health. In spite of this common sentiment, no concise evidence proves this assumption. In studies provided about the dangers of GMO crops, one of the most common factors that played a part in the outcome of these tests was that the risks being represented came not from the modification process. Instead, the genes or agricultural practices used in caring for crops were what caused such issues, something which is regulated when it comes to the production of human-grade foods, as explained by The Royal Society. In fact, some modifications may contain benefits to people. In the article “Is it safe to eat GM crops?” The Royal Society notes of an animal feeding trial in which a genetically modified tomato, designed to produce higher levels of antioxidants, reduced levels of cancer due to this increase in a specific chemical. Crops with modifications of this type will aid people's health instead of endangering it.

Genetically modified foods are a new beacon of opportunity that will benefit humanity as whole. GMO foods can be modified to provide for civilizations that cannot grow unmodified foods, they can also provide a less expensive alternative for food to people in poverty. Genetically modified crops also decrease the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, benefiting the environment. In addition GMO crops have no proven risks to the consumption of genetically modified crops; on the contrary, there are possible benefits to some modified genes. Despite its controversy, genetically modified crops are an undeniably significant invention that should not cease to be used.