Genetically modified foods or GMOs and especially vegetables are limited. These foods have improved taste and nutrition but are red beets genetically modified?
Most of the time when I go to the grocery store I look for foods that aren’t genetically modified. Although they’re said to be safe and healthy to eat I have my doubts. That doesn’t mean I don’t eat them because at times I do but with limits. Sometimes I get really frustrated because not all foods are labeled if they have any GMO products. I like eating organic which is becoming very expensive.
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What are GMOs?
GMOs are foods that contain genetic material from other plants. However, not many vegetables have been genetically modified. Foods that are genetically modified have many benefits like intolerance to drought, no need for pesticides, increased yield, improved taste and nutrition, and lo production costs. However, by biologically altering foods there is a risk of cross-pollinating with traditional crops, the crops becoming less resistant to pestswhich can lead to their extinction, and other harmful outcomes. Some of the crops that can be genetically modified include cotton, sugar beets, corn, papaya, zucchini, soy, alfalfa, yellow squash, and canola.
Are red beets genetically modified?
People have been enjoying beets for many centuries now and the golden and red beets that you love to eat raw or cooked are table beets. And to answer your question, are red beets genetically modified, the simple answer is no. However, the case is different for sugar beets. These white beets contain high concentration levels of sucrose that is used to make beet sugar while the pulp is used in animal feed.
Growing sugar beets is very labour-intensive requiring a lot of constant care. Genetically engineered sugar beets require fewer chemicals to control weeds, fewer pesticides, and less water. GMO sugar beets also help the environment in increasing the soil’s water retention, little tillage farming, less greenhouse gas emissions, improve the health of the soil, and more water and soil conservation. Sugar beets and other genetically engineered foods are safe for you to consume and even animals. They pose no health risk. Learn more about genetically modified foods.
Advantages of GMO foods
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Growing GMO foods helps in conserving tillage which reduces soil erosion in the long term which is good for conserving the soil. All this reduces the loss of nutrients from the soil and carbon monoxide.
Weeds are a menace when it comes to growing food and a lot of expensive herbicides are used to kill all these weeds that try to steal the nutrients from the crops. GMO foods are highly tolerant to pesticides and weed control which means you use fewer chemicals and the food crop is less exposed to toxin residue.
By reducing the exposure of chemicals on the crop you are less likely to be exposed to food allergens promoting good health. GMO foods contain more nutritional benefits from a single food.
You’re able to produce more crops without affecting the environment and using less pesticide there is no damage to the soil. There is a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from intensive farming while at the same time having a higher crop yield.
With the reduced cost of production on GMO foods and higher yields you get more profit and are able to produce more food at affordable prices. There is more food and everyone is able to afford it even the poor providing huge health benefits.
Disadvantages
There is no data that shows how GMOs affect your health only clinical trials have been carried out on animals. No research has been done on the safety and health of people who eat GMOs.
The chemicals used to treat GMO foods could have adverse effects on your body. Some of these toxic chemicals have been said to cause skin problems and cancers.
GMO foods are sprayed with powerful chemicals that travel through air and contaminate the environment, other fields, and freshwater sources. Weeds are also becoming resistant to these chemicals which will make it difficult to control them.
GMO foods aren’t required to be labeled which means you won’t know if the product you’re buying has been genetically modified or not.
Are you convinced red beets aren’t genetically modified?
Red beets aren’t genetically modified, sugar beets are. GMO sugar beets produce the same sugar that non-GMO sugar beets produce. Genetically engineered foods produce more using fewer herbicides and pesticides which helps to conserve the environment. There is also less pollution of the soil and carbon monoxide isn’t lost. GMO foods are said to be safe and have many health benefits.
FAQ
Why are crops genetically modified?
Crops are genetically modified with the aim of introducing a new gene or trait to the plant that doesn’t naturally occur in the plant species. GMO foods help to increase the production of food and reduce the cost of production.
When did we start using GMOs?
The first GMO food was commercially sold in 1994 which was the tomato. It was genetically engineered to have a longer shelf life and delay ripening.
What climate do sugar beets grow in?
Sugar beets grow in temperate climates during the spring season and harvested during autumn. You can produce commercially viable sugar beets after 100 days during the growing season.
What are sugar beets made of?
Sugar beet is a cash crop whose primary value is the production of sugar. The pulp which is insoluble in water and it contains cellulose, lignin, and pectin that are good for animals.
Why are sugar beets genetically modified?
GMO sugar beets play an important role in the production ofdomestic sugar in the U.S. Sugar made from sugar beets has the same nutritional value as sugar from organic sugar beets.
