A review of 6,000 studies across two decades delivers its verdict on GMO corn...
and guess what...
It's actually better for you!
The analysis showed that GMO corn varieties have increased crop yields worldwide 5.6 to 24.5 percent when compared to non-GMO varieties. They also found that GMO corn crops had significantly fewer (up to 36.5 percent less, depending on the species) mycotoxins - toxic chemical byproducts of crop colonization.
There have been (for a variety of largely unscientific reasons) serious concerns surrounding the effects of GMOs on human health. This analysis confirms that not only do GMOs pose no risk to human health, but also that they actually could have a beneficial effect.
Mycotoxins, chemicals produced by fungi, are toxic to humans and animals. A significant percentage of non-GMO and organic corn contain small amounts of mycotoxins. These chemicals are often removed by cleaning in developing countries, but the risk still exists.
GMO corn has substantially fewer mycotoxins because the plants are modified to experience less crop damage from insects. Insects weaken a plant's immune system and make it more susceptible to developing the fungi that produce mycotoxins.
In their analysis, the researchers stated that this study allows us "to draw unequivocal conclusions, helping to increase public confidence in food produced with genetically modified plants".
Additionally, this information might convince farmers and companies to consider the potential health and financial benefits of using genetically modified corn.
Some are already calling this meta-analysis the "final chapter" in the GMO debate.
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