These days, the publicity and ever growing interest in the concept of ‘going green’ has enhanced awareness among the masses to environmental issues that surround global warming. GMOs or genetically modified organisms are yet another key environmental issue which seems to have disappeared in the thin shadows of late.
What are genetically modified foods?
GMOs is used in reference to the act of taking genes from some organisms like viruses, bacterial or animals and then inserting them in other unrelated species. Genetically modified foods are the food products that contain GMOs or are derived from it. According to proponents of these foods, the benefits that come from genetically modified foods are many especially when it comes to boosting agricultural production which in turn helps in the fight against world hunger.
Taking genetically modified foods comes with their share of danger and their safety for human consumption has been questioned by many. If you are trying to avoid genetically modified foods, which you should, here are the common foods that you should watch out for and avoid like plaque:
Corn
The modification of corn has made it possible for scientists to even succeed in making its own insecticide. It has now been declared that genetically modified corn has been made available for human consumption in incredible amount. In a recent research, mice that fed with the genetically modified corn in lab showed to have fertility problems and smaller off springs for those who were fortunate enough to be fertile. Corn will be used as an ingredient in a wide range of foods such as corn flour, corn oil, corn starch, syrups, corn sweeteners e.t.c. There are many other products containing derivatives of genetically modified corn like corn chips, vitamin C supplements and tomato sauces among others.
Cotton
Genetically modified cotton has been designed in a way that it is able to resist pesticides. The reason why cotton is considered to be food is because the oil derived from cotton can be consumed. In recent times, introduction of genetically modified cotton in the Chinese agricultural world has led to the production of a chemical that is capable of killing cotton bollworm and thus significantly reducing incidences of pests in the cotton crops themselves as well as in other fields as well. Unfortunately, thousands of farmers especially from India suffered very severe rashes when they became exposed to BT cotton.
Soy
The genetic modification of soy has been done in efforts of producing a plant that can resist herbicides. Common soy products that you should avoid include tofu, soy flour, soybean oil, soy beverages and a wide range of other products which include baked products, pastries and even edible oil as well. In a recent study, hamsters that were fed with genetically modified soy were not able to have off springs not to mention that they also recorded a very high mortality rate.
Rice
South East Asia boasts of having rice as its staple food but genetically modified rice is something that you should avoid from eating. Rice has been modified to contain high levels of vitamin A. It has even been reported recently that rice varieties will be grown that contain human genes and this rice will be creating human proteins that are needed for dealing with cases of infant diarrhea especially in the third world countries. Genetically modified rice poses some very serious environmental and health problems especially due to the fact that it has a tendency of causing allergic reactions that can harm people.
Papaya
Genetically modified papaya is now virus resistant and is now available commercially in most parts of the world. On the same note like its rice and corn counterparts, this papaya poses some serious health risks.
Tomatoes
Due to the perishable nature of tomatoes, these fruits have now been genetically modified to lengthen their shelf life. As such, genetically modified tomatoes do not get rotten easily and are thus able to remain for long without being degraded. A recent test was conducted for determining how safe genetically modified tomatoes were. In the study, the animal subjects that consumed genetically modified tomatoes died some few weeks later thus raising serious concerns on the healthy safety of consuming these tomatoes.
Rapeseed
This crop made headlines in Canada where it was actually renamed to canola as a way of differentiating it from the non- edible rapeseed. There are many food stuffs available on the market today that contain rapeseed which you should avoid such as the likes of rapeseed oil pr canola oil used for processing margarine and cooking oil. Genetically modified rapeseed is also being used for production of honey as well and many products containing significant amounts of rapeseed have been found to have some not so good health effects.
Peas
Genetically modified peas have been found to be a cause of immune responses in the mice subjects and researchers have also said that the same could be possible in humans as well. A gene derived from the kidney beans was then inserted in the peas which created a protein with a similar functioning as a pesticide.
Potatoes
When mice were fed with genetically modified potatoes in a recent research, their system was found to have toxins thus raising the dangers that come with consumption of GM potatoes. The health risks posed by genetically modified potatoes are immense and this gives you all the reasons why you should avoid eating these potatoes.
Considering the many researches that have been done regarding genetically modified foods and the findings reported; it is no doubt that genetically modified foods pose very serious threats to our health. The adverse health effects of genetically modified foods means that it is wise that you avoid these foods as they can wreak havoc on your health. The introduction of genetically modified in the food supply has led to a serious increase in food allergies and chronic diseases. It is better to be safe than sorry and avoiding these genetically modified foods is certainly the way to go.
GMO TOXIC TABLE - An Introduction to the GMO FOOD Disaster - A Crime Against Humanity
Genetically Modified Foods vs. Sustainability
The World According to Monsanto
The Unhealthy Truth: One Mother's Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America's Food Supply-- and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself
The Hundred-Year Lie: How to Protect Yourself from the Chemicals That Are Destroying Your Health
No comments:
Post a Comment