A study to be published in Lipids reveals, a crop of genetically modified soya bean that could help prevent heart attacks, has successfully passed the first phase of testing in USA.  If approved, it will be the first genetically modified food to carry direct human health benefits. So far, bio-technology firms have tried to develop crops with increased yields, resistancy to pests and disease or the ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

However, researchers at the University of South Dakota that involved 33-volunteers, found the GM soyabean is able to raise omega-3 acid levels found mainly in salmon, trout and fresh tuna, in the blood.  Useful for protecting us against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, including assisting in brain cell growth in the young, Britain’s Food Standards Agency recommends eating at least one portion of oily fish each week to benefit from these acids.

But, encouraging fish consumption is proving disastrous as it is depleting the marine stocks in the oceans and rivers, which is why the soya bean research by Monsanto holds such importance.  If, the trial crop gets US Food and Drug Administration approval by 2011, it could be in US supermarkets the following year.  And, if European and British authorities permit its use, then omega-3 oil rich soya bean products, would be exported to Britain, as well.

Whether, you want to try it or not, will be up to you, as David Stark, Monsanto’s Vice President - Consumer Traits says all foods containing it, will be clearly labelled GM.

This small scale study will be followed by a wider study to clearly identify the health benefits to be derived from the genetically modified soyabean.  For those who are interested, currently, Britain does not cultivate GM crops for commercial purposes, perhaps never will, knowing Prince Charles views on genetically modified crops.