Podcast: Pesticides cancel benefits of fruits and veggies? Drought-tolerant wheat coming soon? Do DNA diets work?

Cameron English, Kevin Folta | July 14, 2022

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Do pesticide residues on food counteract the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables? The FDA recently approved a genetically engineered wheat variety that can withstand drought conditions. When will farmers be allowed to grow this enhanced crop? Finally, can DNA-based diets better help you achieve your fitness goals?

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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 177 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

Pesticides Negate Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption? No

A recent study suggested that pesticide exposure through food may offset the benefits eating fruits and vegetables. The paper drew a lot of media attention, though nobody discussed the study’s significant limitations. Do pesticide residues really cancel out the benefits of consuming produce, or is this more hype than science?

Gene-edited HB4 wheat clears FDA evaluation in ‘key step’ towards commercializing GM wheat in USA

Drought-tolerant wheat containing a sunflower gene may help farmers preserve their crop yields amid a changing climate. The new trait was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration; however, regulatory delays and trade restrictions in other countries could slow the release of this enhanced crop. When will farmers around the world begin to benefit from this drought-tolerance technology?

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Viewpoint: DNA diets—Can knowing your genes help you nutritionally optimize your meal choices?

Our genetics exert influence over our health and behavior in a wide variety of ways. Is it possible that our genes impact the nutritional choices we make? Can understanding your DNA help you eat healthier? No—or at least not yet. Our knowledge of the human genome isn’t quite good enough to dispense this sort of personalized dietary advice.

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg