What is genetically modified food? GMOs are food items whose DNA has been altered through biotechnology. Scientists take away or add genes and by so doing, they are able to make the plant more resistant to pests and diseases. The genes added are obtained from humans, scorpions or other animals and plants which make the plant stronger. While the scientists say that in GMO lies the future of food security in the world, different agencies including Organic Consumer Agency have come up strongly against this technology arguing out the benefits obtained from GMO foods are outweighed by their shortcomings. Although not so much is known right now about the dangers of consuming these types of foods, the following are the potential dangers of genetically modified foods.
Genetically Modified Food (Photo credit: Peter Blanchard)
Genetically modified foods could be toxic when ingested by animals. Some of these foods generate toxins when they come into contact with stomach acid of animals. Genetically modified plants have resulted in the death of thousands of chicken, sheep, cows, buffalo, and horses. When postmortem examinations are conducted on these animals, black patches and signs of irritation are evident in the liver and small intestines of the fallen animals. Global Healing Center reported that several Americans died after consuming tomatoes that had been altered with L-tryptophan. Most of the GMO foods are in experimental stages and therefore more is expected from them.
To Learn More About The Dangers Of Genetically Modified Foods You Need To Watch This
There is also the risk of increased crop failure as many more people welcome farming of GMOs. The risk is even greater considering that GMOs may swipe away some crop varieties. Natural news reported an incidence whereby there was a complete crop failure in South Africa’s corn plantation when the corn failed to produce kernels. We expect that this could happen again and this would be a major threat to food security. The only way to ensure the future of crops is by leaving their genetic material an altered.
Is The Nutrional Value Of Food Lowered When It Is Genetically Modified
Another danger associated with genetically modified foods is decreased nutritional value of foods. Most of the GMO vegetables and fruits are designed to be market friendly by being attractive. However, no so much concern is taken on their nutritional value. For this reason, consumers are likely to be deceived that they are buying fresh fruits and vegetables while in real sense the items have been on the shelf for several days and therefore have lost most of their nutritional value and flavor.
There is a danger that when GMOs are introduced in one place, it would be very difficult to contain them at that specific place. Due to the fact that these plants are stronger than natural plant, they are likely to out compete them resulting in extermination of local varieties of plants. This could lead to an ecological disaster.
Other health risks that we could suffer if we consume genetically modified foods include; immune problems, infertility, faulty in insulin regulation, damage to major organs, accelerated aging, damage to the gastro intestinal system. There are also evidence of allergic reaction and infant mortality. With the increased use of this technology, most of the foods we buy from food stores have elements of GMO. Unless the food package reads non-GMO, there is likelihood that you are buying a GMO product. The only sure way to stay away from genetically modified foods is by growing your own food for example fruits and vegetables.
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