There’s nothing like enjoying corn on the cobb at a summer BBQ. It’s sweet and it’s a vegetable—a total win-win, right? Unfortunately, most of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified and can be the culprit behind your weight gain.
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. A GMO plant’s DNA is modified to make it more resistant to pesticides and drought. Although it seems like a good idea to help farmers get more yield, studies have linked diets high in GMO produce (including eating animals fed on GMO produce) to weight gain.
Up to 92% of corn grown in the U.S. is genetically engineered. “GM corn can result in major sensitivities, hormonal changes and changes within the digestive tract,” says nutritionist Tamara Green of The Living Kitchen. GMO corn is in the fresh corn you purchase at the farm stand, the frozen and canned corn in the grocery store, popcorn you get at the movies, anything sweetened with corn syrup, and any corn fed animals you consume.
Why are GMOs so bad for your metabolism? GMO food does not break down the same and is hard for the body to utilize effectively. They still contain plenty of calories, but they only have a quarter of the nutrients of natural foods. As nutrient levels go down, the body needs more food to reach the recommended levels of nutrients in order to function. So all the corn consumed becomes empty calories. This imbalance can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
Finding non-GMO corn products can be difficult, but it’s doable. You need to check labels and buy certified non-GMO brands. The good news is that GMOs are being scrutinized by researchers all over the world now. It’s only a matter of time before a researched back solution will be available. Until then, keep a sharp eye on your labels.
