Genetically modified “power veggie” fights osteoporosis
I just love being vindicated, especially when it comes to some of my more controversial stances. You may have been shocked when I came out in favor of some genetically modified foods. And you’re not alone-the majority of Americans get the heebie-jeebies at the thought of eating foods that sound like science experiments.
But in the last few years, I’ve told you about some exciting attempts to create more nutritious foods by using genetic modification. In one case, I was particularly encouraged by scientists working to create omega-3 rich steaks, pork, and other meats. I thought this could be important in the future as cold-water fish (typically the best source of omega-3 fatty acids) become increasingly laced with mercury and other heavy metals.
And now, one of those incredibly beneficial GM foods has finally come to pass: Scientists have created a carrot that’s designed to battle osteoporosis.
Yes! Disease-fighting rabbit foods… That’s what’s up, doc!
The scientists managed to alter a gene within the carrot that enhances the root vegetable’s ability to transport calcium across the plant cell membrane. According to researchers at Texas A&M, eating these new power veggies can increase the absorption of calcium by as much as 41 percent compared to “normal” carrots. This could make carrots THE weapon of choice in the battle against osteoporosis.
The potential impact of this creation is incredible: Believe it or not, osteoporosis is second only to cardiovascular disease as a global healthcare burden, and affects a staggering 200 million people. This bone-weakening malady is a big problem here in the U.S., where longer-living elderly people and the obesity epidemic have put a tremendous strain on the nation’s bones.
Of course, this is just the first baby step. These bone-boosting carrots were created in carefully monitored and controlled environments. But don’t expect to get them in your local grocery store anytime soon. To say that consumer availability is years away is a gross understatement. First, they’d have to prove that these carrots could be grown on a massive scale, and then you have to factor in the time required for FDA approval … ugh, don’t even get me started!
But I don’t want to be a downer. There’s no denying that these results are amazingly encouraging. The fact that GM foods can take aim at a major health issue and have the ability to deal it a serious blow is huge. It may take just such a “wonder food” to remove the stigma surrounding them. After all, you’re more likely to give a chance to a disease-battling carrot than, say, a tomato that’s had its DNA tweaked just so it can grow to the size of a basketball.
Needless to say, now that it’s proven that it can be done, genetically modified foods could go on to be a great boon to mankind in the coming decades. According to Professor Susan Fairweather- Tait of Britain’s University of East Anglia, “Many diets now no longer contain everything we need … we are moving away from the specter of ‘Frankenstein food,’ and starting to appreciate the health benefits it may bring.”
